(Courtesy of Teaneck Teen Idol) “No matter how many likes a teen has on social media, there’s nothing more encouraging than hearing cheers from a big live audience and feeling the support from fellow performers,” said Jack Aaker, co-producer of Teaneck Teen Idol.
“And that’s true if they’re in seventh grade or seniors in high school,” added Gail Smith, artistic director.
So, the Teaneck Community Chorus is bringing back the Teaneck Teen Idol contest after a hiatus because of COVID. The contest’s mission is still the same: To create a positive performance experience for kids from a wide variety of schools who share a common interest in singing.
The contest has generated wide support, including many contestants from the Jewish day school community: The Frisch School, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School, Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, SAR Academy, Solomon Schechter and Torah Academy of Bergen County. Many have been finalists and a contestant from Ma’Ayanot won Teaneck Teen Idol.
The contest is open to any teen between 13 and 18 years old who lives or goes to school in Teaneck and is in the seventh to 12th grade.
Live auditions will be Tuesday, November 14 at Richard Rodda Center, Colonial Court, Teaneck from 6 to 8:30 p.m.; and Wednesday and Thursday, November 15 and 16, Teaneck High School, 100 Elizabeth Ave, Room 244 (chorus room) from 4 to 7:30 p.m. each day.
The audition process is simple. Students sing a song of their choice a cappella (without accompaniment) for two minutes as well as “Happy Birthday.” They’re evaluated by their singing and performance. Potential is considered. Once finalists are selected, they’re given free coaching for song choice, vocals and performance.
The Teaneck Teen Idol contest is January 13 at 8 p.m. at Teaneck High School. The performance schedule of finalists will be adjusted for Sabbath needs.
The Teaneck Teen Idol receives a recording session of three songs from an award-winning recording studio in New York City, $500 and an opportunity to perform with the chorus. The two runners up receive cash prizes as well.
Questions? Email [email protected] or call: 201-390-8683
Get the full information sheet at www.teaneckcommunitychorus.org.
Or visit Facebook.com. Simply search for teaneckcommunitychorus and share the poster with any teen you think may want to audition.
