Central Bucks Students are Named FINALISTS in Hammerstein Competition

Doylestown PA

03 June, 2022

3:32 PM

Description

The nonprofit Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC) is proud to announce the finalists in our international solo contest. OHMTEC, which is in the midst of a nationwide fundraising campaign, was pleased to offer this opportunity for singers of all ages to display their talents and celebrate the works of the "Father of Broadway," who contributed lyrics to over 800 songs that continue to reverberate around the world. Rising Central Bucks High School East student, Helena Badiali, earned her Finalist spot singing The Sound of Music from The Sound of Music. And college Freshman, Sierra Safran, earned her spot singing Make Believe from Show Boat. The contest was created in 2021 by OHMTEC Board Member and Music Educator, Jaime Rogers, in response to the challenges of teaching virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rogers stated, "I created this contest as a way to create a safe and valuable performance experience for young people who were unable to publicly share their talents during the isolation of the COVID19 pandemic. Although many of us have been able to return to public performances in some capacity, the value of educating our next generation of performers and theatre consumers about Oscar Hammerstein II's lyrics and legacy remains; not to mention the immense joy we all share at viewing these wonderful and talented young singers perform his songs with such poise and passion." This year's contest boasts singers from all over the world and most of the United States. Winners of the contest will earn cash prizes, a voice lesson with Broadway and American Idol veteran, Justin Guarini, and for winners who are willing to make the trip, the opportunity to perform during the cocktail hour at an upcoming gala by the non-profit titled, "Broadway Sings the Sound of Hammerstein." This elegant and exclusive affair will include performances by Broadway stars, Christy Altomare, Derek Klena, and Justin Guarini. The event will be hosted by former president of R&H Theatricals and author, Ted Chapin. The non-profit hopes that the money raised at this gala will be enough to close the deal on the purchase of the home, propelling the non-profit into the second phase of their mission, preserving the home and opening it to the public as a museum. For more information about the gala and to purchase tickets visit www.hammersteinmuseum.org or call The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center has been raising funds to support the non-profit's ongoing vision to secure the Highland Farm property and realize the dream of a museum and theatre education center on the site of Oscar Hammerstein's home, where he penned The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, Oklahoma! and South Pacific. It is also the place where Hammerstein mentored a young Stephen Sondheim, and where he contributed to society by increasing our awareness of social issues and the need for tolerance of diversity. Fundraising success will allow the non-profit to secure, renovate, and preserve Highland Farm, the Hammerstein property located at 70 East Road in the heart of Doylestown, PA, and convert the home and barn into a museum and theatre education center. The initial fundraising target, which will secure the property and ensure its preservation into the future, has been set at $2 million. Donations of any amount are welcome and can be made by check, credit card or appreciated securities. Special naming opportunities are also available. Please contact Treasurer Christine Junker for details at [email protected] . To contribute to the effort to #SaveOscarsHome, please visit www.HammersteinMuseum.org.