The Texas Music & Arts Department is pleased to announce the return of our annual solo competition for 2024. Based on the USA Eastern Territory's 'Star Search' initiative, ‘Lone Star Search’ has been created with the following objectives in mind:

Inspire the growth of soloists, building confidence and determination in our artists.
Offer a goal to work toward becoming the best in their chosen field.
Present opportunities for performers to expand their abilities, benefiting both corps and divisional music and arts programs.
Cultivate true artists dedicated to glorifying God with their gifts.
Enhance corps worship with encore performances from the solo competition shared at the local level.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

Participants may start competing at the age of 7 for most categories. This competition is open to all Junior and Senior soldiers, as well as prospective Junior and Senior soldiers who have been attending a corps for a minimum of 3 months by this event date, April 19, 2024.

PERFORMANCE

For Round 1, each of the performance rooms will be set up with judges situated on one side and another area designated for peers and parents to observe the performances. This arrangement allows for an optimal viewing and evaluation experience. Round 2 will take place in the Chapel, where finalists will perform on stage in front of judges and a full audience.

REGISTRATION

Registration is now open. The registration deadline is Monday, March 25, 2024 . Please follow the button below to register for Lone Star Search 2024!

Registration Now Open!

Solo Competition Resources and Guidelines

COMPETITION ROUNDS

Round 1 (Competition):

Date: Friday, April 19, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Location: Exact locations are still TBD at this time, but competing rooms will be throughout the conservatory building and the surrounding annexes. These locations will be announced ahead of the event.
Round 1 Schedule: The registration deadline is March 25, 2024. After the deadline, the Music & Arts department will set the Round 1 competition schedule and post to our website.
Time limits: Each performance will depend on category and level, but will not exceed 6 minutes.
Judging Criteria: Please click on the “Judging Criteria” section in the drop down menu for more information on each discipline.
Audience Attendance: To ensure an enriching experience for all attendees, we encourage young people and participants (ages 7-17) to support multiple performances (participants should watch a minimum of 3, and observers 6). Youth will receive tickets upon entry, which will be punched at the door of each competition room. Once the minimum number of performances are attended, the completed tickets can be submitted at the conservatory lobby information table. An alternative option is available for those who meet this requirement, with activities in the Compton.

Round 2 (Concert):

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Chapel
Performance Order: The performance order for Round 2 will be determined based on the winners from Round 1. The program will be announced at breakfast on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
Audience Attendance: All DMA participants will attend Round 2 and those living in North Texas and surrounding areas are welcome to attend as well. DMA rehearsals will take place after breakfast on Saturday and from there we will all head to the chapel for Round 2 of the competition.
Awards: The top award winners will be announced at the end of the Round 2 concert. Please join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of our performers.