COVID-19 has created many challenges for the performing arts, but Schoolcraft College is finding ways to help and inspire aspiring musicians.

In an effort to encourage excellence in musical performance and to recognize excellent teaching in the Metropolitan Detroit-Ann Arbor area, Schoolcraft College sponsors three Festival events each year in which students have the opportunity to perform and receive evaluations from a panel of judges.

Because of the continuing COVID situation, the Bach Festival will be a virtual event. Performers will be asked to submit recordings on YouTube for the judges to watch and evaluate.

Auditions will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, and are open to students through age 18 and still in high school. Students will be required to upload a YouTube video performance of their audition piece(s) on an acoustic piano. All compositions must be memorized, authentic solo works by J.S. Bach.

Entry fee is $30 per student. Teachers can contact Pat Minnick at music@schoolcraft.edu, call 734-462-4403 or view this web page for more information. The entry deadline is Friday, Nov. 20.