Local choirs are invited to compete in the Grand Strand Choir Challenge on Saturday, April 21, at 6 p.m. in Kimbel Arena at Coastal Carolina University.

The Challenge is open to all choirs affiliated with an institution, such as a church or school, including university choirs as well as high school glee clubs. Choirs will compete for the title of Best Choir on the Grand Strand (judged by a designated panel) and a first-place prize of $1,500, with second- and third-place prizes of $1,000 and $500 respectively.

Choirs are required to pay a $75 registration fee ($50 for schools) by Feb. 28. If more than 10 choirs register, there will be a qualifying audition on Saturday, March 3, at 2:30 p.m. in CCU’s Wall Auditorium, located in the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration.

The competition is open for the public to attend. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets are available at the Wheelwright Box Office and can be purchased Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 843-349-2502 or visiting www.coastal.edu/culturalarts/tickets.html.

Scott Mann of Wave 104.1 and Paula Caruso of WMBF News will host the event, and proceeds benefit CCU’s Each 1 Teach 1 Entrepreneurship Institute. The Institute provides middle and high school students with the tools needed for a successful career in education and entrepreneurship.

For more information about the event or to register a choir, contact Bertha Fladger in CCU’s Office of Multicultural Student Services at 843-349-2863.