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Local Voices

SOMERSET PATRIOTS TO HOST NATIONAL ANTHEM AUDITIONS AT MENLO PARK MALL

The Somerset Patriots, along with Magic 98.3 FM and WCTC 1450 AM, have announced that the team will host National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, March 8th from 12-4 pm at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison.  
 
The event will be a fundraiser designed to benefit Operation Shoebox New Jersey, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to collecting donated supplies to ship care packages to U.S. troops based overseas.
 
There will be a $10 fee to audition, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit Operation Shoebox New Jersey.  The $10 donation is tax deductible and all participants will have the opportunity to sign a letter that will be included in a care package to a soldier.  
 
The Patriots will audition 100 soloists and small groups during the event with up to ten winners being selected to return as finalists to sing the National Anthem in front of judges at TD Bank Ballpark at a later date.  During this time the judges will have the chance to hear the finalists sing the National Anthem and give final approval to perform at the ballpark during the season.
 
The Patriots are looking for participants of all ages with no prior auditioning experience for the team.  Past winners are asked not to audition again as the team already has their information on file to be used again when needed.  Singers will be judged on vocal talent, stage presence and their ability to perform before a large crowd.
 
During the auditions, each singer will have up to one minute and thirty seconds to sing, a cappella, the song of their choice.  Contestants will not be permitted to sing the National Anthem at this time.  All contestants will be required to perform a song that is appropriate for a family audience.
 
The team will also set up a waiting list to provide a chance for singers to fill in if a registered individual cannot make the audition.  All participants must pre-register with the Somerset Patriots.
 
The event will take place at Center Court on the lower level of Menlo Park Mall. In addition to the National Anthem auditions, the event will include interactive games and contests for mall patrons to win prizes, special offers for tickets and merchandise, and the ability to interact with team representatives. Sparkee The Mascot and his pal Slider will be at the mall to entertain young fans.  
 
Magic 98.3 FM and WCTC 1450 AM are the event’s media partner. This is the eleventh year the Patriots will be hosting National Anthem auditions.
 
Representatives from Operation Shoebox New Jersey will be on-site to help promote their organization and encourage additional donations for our troops.
 
Interested individuals can register for the auditions by e-mailing Emily Forsythe at eforsythe@somersetpatriots.com.
 
Operation Shoebox New Jersey has shipped more than 62,000 total packages to U.S. military personnel serving in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and other posts in the Middle East. Operation Shoebox NJ is 501C3 non-profit organization registered with the IRS and the New Jersey Department of State.  For more information, visit www.opshoeboxnj.org.
 
The Somerset Patriots have placed tickets on sale for the upcoming 2014 season, beginning at home on Friday, April 25th. For information, stop by the Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit the Patriots on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.




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