Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Sing-Off Competition Now Accepting Submissions

Ready, Set, Sing! The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the fifth annual vocal competition for talented student singers! The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Sing-Off Competition is part of the upcoming Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015, and is aimed at providing a unique and creative opportunity for young people in the greater Pittsburgh region.

"Highmark First Night is a great forum for celebrating the vitality of our city through the arts. We are thrilled to continue this tradition of showcasing the talented students of our region," said Darcy Kucenic, Director of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh and Manager of Education & Operations for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. "The Sing-Off is a perfect complement to the diverse and family-friendly programming that is part of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015."

Similar to the format of popular TV talent shows, students from grades 6 through 12, who are affiliated with a middle or high school in Southwestern Pennsylvania-may submit a video performance of two songs. An internal panel will review all submissions and five finalists will be selected. A special guest judge will select the winner, who will be announced prior to Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, and will have the opportunity to participate in special media opportunities relative to the award.

In celebration of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL's tour stop in Pittsburgh (December 30 - January 4), one song must be a rendition of a Motown classic. The student may also select a second song of their choice to accompany their submission. Individual students and student groups of 20 or fewer should upload a video of no more than 10 minutes in length on to YouTube, and then submit it to the contestant page on the Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015 website.

Additional contest information and the entry form are available on the Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015 website, TrustArts.org/FirstNightPgh. The application deadline is midnight on Friday, November 21, 2014. Late submissions will not be considered.

The winner of the fifth annual sing-off competition will perform live as the opening act for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust performances at the Benedum Center during Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015. They will also receive a cash prize of $500 and their school will receive donation of $500 designated to the school's music department. Finally, the winner will receive complimentary Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015 admission buttons.

Last year's competition winner was Savannah Wiggins, a sophomore from Penn Hills High School. You can find her video submission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lZBUAZCbYw