OHIO alumnus Luke Frazier, founder and maestro of The American Pops Orchestra (APO), announced that two Ohio University College of Fine Arts students will compete virtually in the 3rd Annual NextGen: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow vocal competition on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m. The competition founded by Frazier, MM ’09, aims to provide college-aged vocal students with professional performance experiences, as well as cash awards.
The competition was originally to take place in Washington D.C. in March but was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The APO worked with the student semi-finalists to quickly transform the event into a virtual competition that would still allow them to compete and gain performance experience.
OHIO College of Fine Arts student semi-finalists include sophomore Max Swartout of Ravenna, Ohio, a music education major in the School of Music who was a finalist in the competition last year, and first-year Kaylee Michael of Loveland, Ohio, a musical theater major in the School of Theater. They will join 28 other semi-finalists from universities across the country to compete for the top prize.
“I’m very excited to represent OHIO at this years’ NextGen Competition since I've grown so much as a musician, performer, and music educator because of OHIO and its extraordinary professors and opportunities,” Swartout said. “Although this year’s competition will be quite different than last, and as much as I would rather be performing on stage, I’m glad that with the competition going virtual, more people can view the show and vote. It enables more of my friends, family, and peers to view the show and be a part of the outcome of the competition.”
The semi-finalists will perform for a panel of judges, with the virtual audience having the opportunity to vote for their preferred student.
“Getting to do this competition is an amazing opportunity,” Michael said. “It’s so great that APO is still able to hold the competition. I think that shows how much they want to give us these opportunities, which I am so grateful for. The care that the Luke Frazier and APO staff have still put into making this competition happen is so wonderful.”
“NextGen: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow” will be streamed online and registration to participate is free. Winners will be announced live on Sunday, April 26th at 8 p.m.
“It’s always great to see the legacy of excellence continue at Ohio University,” Frazier said. “And these two students personify that excellence.”
Participating Colleges and Universities include American University, The Catholic University of America, Frostburg State University, George Mason University, Howard University, James Madison University, Liberty University, Marshall University, University of Mary Washington, Ohio University, Temple University, West Virginia University, and the College of William and Mary.