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KINGSTON — It may not have been hit TV series “The Voice,” but the audition process still featured plenty of excitement, nerves and desire for contestants pacing the halls inside Wyoming Seminary’s Kirby Center for the Creative Arts on Saturday, as they vied to be one of the lucky few to make the final cut.

The center will act as the venue for the first-ever NEPA Sings competition, held by CASA of Luzerne County as a new fundraiser.

CASA of Luzerne County is a local branch of a national organization that acts as an advocate for abused and neglected children, using trained volunteers to provide care, safety and homes that will help children thrive and succeed.

Saturday marked audition day for roughly 70 contestants who signed up for the competition, all hoping to win the first-place prize — a free trip for two to see a Broadway show in New York City.

Only 12 finalists will be chosen to advance to the final round, a singing show that will be held in April.

CASA Luzerne County Executive Director John Aciukewicz said he got the idea for a singing competition after hearing about a successful karaoke event put on by a fellow CASA organization in Indianapolis.

“The wheels started to turn and I thought one of our maxims is to lift up a child’s voice, a child’s life,” he said. “So I thought ‘why not a voice competition?’”

Contestants were split into four audition rooms and had 30 seconds to wow the judges by singing 30 seconds of a song of their choosing. Contestants were able to receive up to 40 points, and were judged on their musicianship, audience appeal, presentation and overall impression. Judges included people from the local music community, from teachers to choir directors and more.

‘Talent tremendous’

While 15 year-old Marina Rinkunas was belting out her rendition of “What It Means to Be a Friend” from the musical “13,” Scranton resident Larry McIver was downstairs anxiously waiting his turn in front of the judges.

Admitting that he’s loved singing since childhood, McIver explained that his voice had to take a backseat throughout college so he could complete his degree. Now, McIver wants to bring song back into his life, and decided NEPA Sings would be the perfect opportunity.

“Before this event, I did not (know of CASA). But as soon as I did hear about the event, I looked into it. And this is actually a really good cause,” he said. “Anything I can do personally by providing my voice and having people come out and hear me sing (to benefit the organization).”

McIver chose Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” as his audition piece, which he says holds a special place in his heart due to the lyrical nature of the song.

“This song means so much to me. I’ve had heartbreak in my life and I’ve had great moments in my life,” he said, explaining the song acts as a final goodbye to an ex.

Seconds later, it was his turn to step into the audition room, his voice resonating down the hallway as many other contestants stopped to listen. Once his audition was over, McIver quietly walked out of the room and picked up his belongings.

“I think it went very well,” he said with a smile.

Aciukewicz agreed. So far, he feels the event has been a success. CASA is hoping to generate about $25,000 to continue serving children in need, he said, and is still looking to add more sponsors for the competition.

“We’re very excited, and especially with all the young people that have turned out, it’s been fun,” he said of the community’s support. “What I’ve been hearing about from the judges talking so far is that the talent has been tremendous.”

Finalists will be announced next Thursday on “PA Live” on WBRE, as well as on CASA of Luzerne County’s Facebook page. The final competition will be April 12.

Visit LuzerneCASA.org for more information.

Judges Lauren Timek and Lorenzo Medico listen to Jasmine Anne Mitchell, of Wilkes-Barre, try out for the NEPA Sings competition at Wyoming Seminary’s Kirby Center for the Creative Arts on Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_TTL020418NEPAsings2-1.jpg.optimal.jpg Judges Lauren Timek and Lorenzo Medico listen to Jasmine Anne Mitchell, of Wilkes-Barre, try out for the NEPA Sings competition at Wyoming Seminary’s Kirby Center for the Creative Arts on Saturday. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Kerryanne Miller waits to try out for the NEPA Sings competition with her 15-year-old daughter, Leia Daly, at Wyoming Seminary’s Kirby Center for the Creative Arts in Kingston on Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_TTL020418NEPAsings1-1.jpg.optimal.jpgKerryanne Miller waits to try out for the NEPA Sings competition with her 15-year-old daughter, Leia Daly, at Wyoming Seminary’s Kirby Center for the Creative Arts in Kingston on Saturday. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

By Marcella Kester

For Times Leader