Last year’s finalists in the annual Lamorinda Idol. This year, applications are welcome from April 1–30 and the final competition is slated for Aug. 17 at the Orinda Theatre. Visit lamorindaarts.org/idol-2.
The finals for Lamorinda Idol aren’t until Aug. 17 at the Orinda Theatre, but before we get to the finale, there’s so much preparation that goes into this event that can’t be glossed over.
It all starts with the online application, which runs April 1-30, followed by in-person auditions at Orinda Intermediate School May 8-10.
Kids, start warming up your vocals, think about your songs, routines and outfits, and parents, get ready for many days and nights of practice.
The talent found in Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda comes close to the real-life American Idol – and who knows, perhaps performers at this hometown event might one day be in that national competition someday.
Lamorinda Idol was started in 2006 by Petra Michel and Susan Garell, who were leaders of the Orinda Arts Council.
“They had talented singing daughters who were fixated on this new TV show, American Idol,” said Steve Harwood, an audition judge in 2006 who became chairman in 2009 (and still is). “Petra and Susan were go-getters, and they said, ‘Let’s do this here’.”
Originally called Orinda Idol, Harwood said the event was only a singing competition in the beginning.
“It has transformed over time so that now Lamorinda Idol is much more than a competition,” he said. “Most notably, we now have multiple performances and a program of workshops led by Rena Wilson – a highly recognized performer and coach.”
Harwood firmly believes Lamorinda Idol is important to the performers and the community.
“It gives them an opportunity to pursue their passion for singing and gain self-confidence,” he said. “It’s important to the community because of the joy the program brings to the audiences. My favorite part is seeing the growth of each of the performers in the course of the various concerts and our workshop program and then see them in top form at the finals.”
Audition results are announced on June 1 and by June 10, well, that’s when the hard work begins. Vocal and performance workshops take place via Zoom for solo finalists and runners-up, and on June 14, a swim and karaoke party for finalists, runners-up and families rolls out at Harwood’s home, along with an organizational meeting for parents.
Workshops continue through June and at Orinda’s 4th of July parade, 2024 Lamorinda winners will perform in the parade – something the 2025 winners will look forward to next year.
July has the kids attending more workshops and also performing in a couple of community events, one at the Orinda Community Park on July 10 and another at the Moraga Commons on July 30.
On Aug. 1, the Lamorinda Idol finalists and runners-up, who are also Orinda Moraga Pools Association (OMPA) finalists, will sing the National Anthem at the 68th Annual OMPA Championships – one of the largest recreational swim meets in the country – but no pressure before the Idol competitions, right?
It’s roughly four months of preparation – all for the opportunity to grow, perform, compete and have fun.
So what do show-goers get to do between now and then?
“I suggest they come to the summer performances in the parks in Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga, and enjoy the singing of the wonderful young people involved,” said Harwood. “Also come to the finals on Aug. 17 to experience the finalists in top form, the expert comments from the three-judge panel after each performance, and the excitement surrounding the announcement of winners. Lastly, contribute to the Lamorinda Arts Council in support of the many wonderful Arts Council programs, of which Lamorinda Idol is one.”
Surprisingly, Harwood said they don’t need more volunteers because they have a wonderful committee, whose members take the lead with all the parents pitching in as volunteers.
Not only that, he said they have additional volunteers from the Lamorinda chapter of the National Charity League, Boy Scouts Troop 237 and the Rotary Club of Orinda.
“While we don’t need volunteers, if anyone would like to get involved, they should contact me,” he added.
While Harwood has attended every audition since 2009, he said it never gets old.
“I continue to be inspired by the young people who audition each year,” he said. “Some are experienced performers, but for many, the audition is a new challenge. In the face of that, everyone comes in well-prepared and puts themselves on the line, giving it their all.”
To get involved, contact Harwood at zzz9harwood@gmail.com or visit lamorindaarts.org/idol-2/.
