Ball State's 30th annual Student Scholarship Talent Search will take place Oct. 7 in John R. Emens Auditorium.
More than 70 people auditioned, and 23 people or groups were chosen to represent seven different categories.
Each category winner will receive a $650 scholarship.
We interviewed the male and female vocalist finalists.
Kyler Kays and Johnnie Taylor did not respond in time for publication.
How did you get started singing?
Tyler Moore, freshman advertising major: It started at about seven, when I joined my church chorus and then grew from there. In middle school, I participated in concert choir [for three years] and show choir [for one year], and in high school I was a four-year member of our top choral ensemble and junior varsity ensemble.
Casey Prins, junior musical theater major: I grew up singing and performing. It was one of those things that started as a gift, a hobby and something I enjoyed doing that ultimately turned into a passion and a goal for the future. I began singing at church and little events that one of my parents would coordinate, and eventually wound up in shows, concerts, competitions and training all throughout my younger years, leading me to study it further here at Ball State.
Allie Richardson, junior musical theater major: Watching Disney movies growing up, to singing in my bedroom into the hairbrush, and then I auditioned for show choir in my hometown Winfield, W.Va.
Keirsten Hodgens, junior musical theater major: I have been singing ever since I can remember. I grew up singing in church, and I was involved in choir/show choir all throughout elementary, middle and high school.
Why do you love it?
Moore: I love singing because it’s the way I express emotion. When I sing a song, it's normally because I have an emotional connection to it, and I love sharing that with an audience in hopes they can feel something in the song like I do, maybe more.
Prins: There are so many reasons. Does that suffice? But really, I love how it releases energy and tension from my body, first and foremost, and that I can alter my sound and emphasis with different forms of technique. I also love the opportunity to tell stories and share universal issues that seem to find a resolution through song.
Richardson: I love musical theater because I get to become an advocate for someone else's circumstances while bringing my own experiences to the piece.
Hodgens: Why do I love singing? I love singing because singing and performing are two of the most accurate ways that I am able to express myself through. My life would not be complete if I was unable to sing and perform. It is my passion, and there is nothing else that makes my heart happier or artistically/creatively fulfilled. There is nothing else I'd rather put my time and energy into.
Is it something you wish to pursue in the future?
Moore: It’s been a thought, but [I'm] still unsure. I do, however, plan to keep it a steady hobby throughout my life.
Prins: Being a professional actor/vocalist/musically-inclined individual is absolutely my goal for the future. I am currently finishing up my last few years here as a musical theater student, and once I've completed my degree, my plan is to head off into new opportunities, cities and roles that will only further my training in and love for performance.
Richardson: Yes, I would actually really like to work at Disney World.
Hodgens: Absolutely. I am a musical theater major, so it is what I do every single day. As long as there is breath in my body, I plan on singing for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite genre to perform/sing?
Moore: Honestly, I can't pick a favorite. As long as I can connect to the song, I'll sing it. A lot of people can sing lyrics off a page, but can they express and feel those lyrics?
Prins: I was trained classically and grew up being involved with that and musical theater, but I do love pop and other genres just as much. I would have to say that I feel the most comfortable when I'm singing musical theater or classical, but challenges, such as "Hero" [which I am singing for Talent Search], that involve more contemporary aspects, such as forward placement riffs, are so enjoyable and simply small gateways into new opportunities not only vocally but culturally as well.
Richardson: Musical theater-style songs are my favorite genre. There is a depth to the characters and lyrics, and there are so many layers to uncover to bring the songs to life. I enjoy the process of venturing through the life of the character and bringing bits of my own heart and truth to the music.
Hodgens: I love performing musical theater pieces, but more than anything, I love pop, R&B and gospel. I love music with a nice beat and musicality, something that drives and that makes you feel good or want to dance.
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