April 2 is the last day to audition online for a mass chorus of military, retirees and veterans that will perform at the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida, on May 8.
The chorus will perform the "Invictus Anthem" at the games at Walt Disney World Resort, and the performance will be featured during a segment of a live, two-hour TV broadcast.
Volunteers may submit auditions through the free Wurrly app, singing their rendition of "America the Beautiful." Those with questions, or who can't audition with the Wurrly app, should contact casting@cammomusic.org.
Active-duty, Guard and Reserve members, as well as veterans and retirees from all branches of service, are eligible to audition. Applicants must be able to show their DD-214 or active-duty identification and provide information for a background check.
Those selected must provide their own transportation and accommodations. The nonprofit Center for Military Music Opportunities, or CAMMO, is assembling the choir. A number of people have sent in audition materials, said Cathie Lechareas, executive director of CAMMO, but they're seeking more, with the goal of bringing together a chorus with a "significant and impactful" number of singers.
Those of all ages are encouraged to audition.
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, ill and injured service men and women, those serving as well as veterans. The competition began in 2014 as the brainchild of Britain's Prince Harry after he attended the Warrior Games in the U.S. in 2013.
Chorus members don't have to be able to read music. Those accepted will receive tools to learn the vocal part. Participants must be able to attend rehearsals May 5-7 as well as the performance May 8.
For those in the Orlando area who are chosen, additional rehearsals will be held on April 30 and May 1.
To audition, download the Wurrly app on your device. Select "America the Beautiful," and record your version of the song. Type #CAMMO in the comments to show that you agree with the terms of audition, and save. Or contact casting@cammomusic.org for information about other avenues.
Visit www.cammomusic.org for more information.
Those who are selected will receive details about rehearsals.
Karen Jowers covers military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times. She can be reached at kjowers@militarytimes.com.
Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.
