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SALISBURY, MD---William and Casiana Schmidt may not be TV celebrities like Simon Cowell or Paula Abdul. Like those American Idol icons, however, the Schmidts are helping singers throughout the United States find new audiences.

The benefactors behind the Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition bring the prestigious event to Salisbury on Saturday, April 16. Participating high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., have the opportunity to win up to $2,000.

Sponsored by the William E. Schmidt Foundation and hosted by Salisbury University’s Department of Music, the event takes place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church.

Students begin the competition during a morning round, singing two pieces, one of their own choosing and one selected by the judges. Following the first round, all contestants will have the opportunity to participate in a master class.

Following that, finalists will be announced and asked to perform a third song of their choosing. Each song must represent a different period and style and may include Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, Contemporary Art or Broadway.

Prizes will be awarded at the end of the finals round. They include $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second, $1,000 for third, and $100 each for finalists. Other $100 prizes include the Encouragement, Broadway Bound and Most Promising Sophomore awards.

Admission is free and the public is invited. The fee to enter is $25 per student. Entries are limited to 35. For competition rules and an application form visit . For more information call 410-543-6214 or visit the ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒõWeb site at www.salisbury.edu.