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FAQs

Who is eligible to enter?

Classical and musical theater musicians and vocalists ages 14-18. Your legal residence must be in Minnesota, and you must be currently participating in a public or private school, religious or community music program. You can be a vocal or instrumental soloist, or an ensemble with no more than eight members. Soloists may have an accompanist, but that's not required. If you need an accompanist, you must provide your own (of any age.)

If I use an accompanist, does that make me an ensemble instead of a soloist?

No, unless your accompanist is 18 years of age or under. See Official Rules for details.

If my accompanist is under 18, does that make us an ensemble? Yes.

How do I submit an entry?

We start accepting submissions January 3, 2011. Submit your entry form and your recorded performance of one piece of 10 minutes or less online at http://www.classicalmpr.org/varsity or send a CD or DVD and entry form by mail to Minnesota Varsity, 480 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Application must be postmarked on or before February 15, 2011.

How will I be judged?

You will be judged solely on your musical performance. MPR Classical staff will screen all the entries, and choose 15-20 performances for the featured round. If you are chosen in the featured round, a professional recording engineer will come to you and help you sound your best. That recording will be played for a panel of celebrity judges from the Minnesota classical music world. The judges will choose five awesome performances for a live show at the Fitzgerald Theater.

Can I submit as both a soloist and an ensemble member?

Absolutely.

How many times can I submit?

You can submit a performance as soloist once, and as a member of as many ensembles as you wish. Each ensemble may submit only once.

Is the Artist Statement required?

Yes, but you will not be judged upon the content of your statement.

How will my Artist Statement be used?

We may use it on the air, the web or at the Showcase Concert and in any other materials related to Minnesota Varsity.

Can I make it to the Showcase Round in more than one entry?

No. You will only be eligible to perform in one group/solo performance at the Showcase Event.

What do I win?

If you're chosen as a Featured Artist, you'll get to work with an audio engineer from MPR to produce a professional recording of your performance. Your piece may also be played on the air and the MPR Classical website. The five Featured Artists who are chosen to be Showcase Artists will perform in a live show at the Fitzgerald Theater on April 17, 2011. Each Showcase Artist will also receive a monetary honorarium, as well as a recording(s) of their performance(s) and two complimentary tickets to the Showcase Concert.

To enter, and for complete rules, go to www.classicalmpr.org/varsity.