Rising Stars

RISING STARS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Rising Stars program is a solo and ensemble contest dedicated to fostering the continuous growth of musicians and artists. Rising Stars serves as a vital resource, equipping participants to grow and become confident in their abilities, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the worship experience through vibrant, creative expressions of faith.

Whether at a beginner or advanced level, as a Rising Star, you are on a journey to refine your skills and offer your best in worship.

Rising Stars features the following categories: brass solo, vocal solo, percussion solo, dance solo, drama monologue, piano solo, beginner band, youth band, dance ensemble, drama troupe, singing company, and youth choir. By participating, individuals and ensembles contribute to The Salvation Army USA Central Territory’s goal of having live music and arts consistently integrated into worship at all worship centers.

Each division will host its own event, offering comprehensive adjudication across all categories. An outstanding soloist or ensemble will be awarded for each category and level. These outstanding performers receive an invitation to participate at the territorial round on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

All participants and information for the Territorial Round should be submitted by May 8, 2026, to usc.thq.music@usc.salvationarmy.org.

The USA Central Territory’s RISING STARS purpose is to

1

Develop and encourage musicians and creative artists

2

Provide a goal to help motivate individuals & ensembles strive for excellence

3

Encourage opportunities for participation at the local level on a regular basis

4

Help soloists, ensembles, and leaders focus on doing their best to glorify God

GUIDELINES & REPERTOIRE

BRASS

DANCE

DRAMA

VOCAL

PERCUSSION

PIANO

2026 RISING STARS AWARDS

Investing in Excellence

In 2026, the Territorial Rising Stars Festival will award financial incentive prizes to category winners – an intentional investment in the continued artistic and spiritual development of young people across the Central Territory.

Award Distribution Guidelines

Awards May Be Used For:

One Financial Award Per Winner
Individuals or corps may be recognized in multiple categories; however, only one financial award will be distributed per winner, based on the highest first-place score earned.
A corps that earns an ensemble award may also include individual members who receive individual rewards.

Awards do not need to be tied to the winner’s specific competition category and may be applied broadly toward artistic growth.

Claiming Your Award

Rewards may be claimed through:

THQ-facilitated Sweetwater orders

• Winners may request THQ Music & Creative Arts Ministries place orders directly through Sweetwater, the official Trade partner.

• Winners under age 18 must submit requests through a parent or legal guardian.

TSAMM reimbursement

• Winners may submit requests for approval through TSAMM, following the established chain: Corps – Division – THQ (final approval).

• Purchases must be pre-approved by the THQ Music & Creative Arts Ministries Department, appropriately documented, and clearly tied to artistic development.

• Lesson costs must include receipts for reimbursement.

Tuition for Central Music Institute (CMI) or Resonate Worships Arts Conservatory

• Individuals and/or corps may use their financial award to be used to pay for CMI and/or Resonate.

All claims must be submitted by September 1, 2026.

For questions, email us at:

DIVISIONAL ROUND DATES

Great Lakes Division
Date: May 30, 2026
For more information contact:
Christopher.Ward@usc.salvationarmy.org
Jessica.Pascoe@usc.salvationarmy.org

Indiana Division
Date: TBD
For more information contact:
Sarah.Eddy@usc.salvationarmy.org

Kansas & Western Missouri Division
Date: May 16, 2026
For more information contact:
Jon.Heaver@usc.salvationarmy.org
Anna.Kate.Scott@usc.salvationarmy.org

North & Central Illinois Division
Date: April 25, 2026
For more information contact:
Peter.Kim@usc.salvationarmy.org
JJ.Pook@usc.salvationarmy.org

Midland Division
Date: February 28, March 21, April 18, 2026
For more information contact:
JR.Boatwright@usc.salvationarmy.org

Northern Division
Date: April 18
For more information contact:
Justin.Harris@usc.salvationarmy.org

Western Division
Date: April 11, 2026
For more information contact:
Matt.Walter@usc.salvationarmy.org