Slippery Rock University is hosting a competition Saturday during which singers will flex their vocal chops in hopes of earning the annual Chad Williamson Memorial Scholarship.

The 29th annual competition for the vocal scholarship is free and open to the public at 4 p.m. Saturday in Swope Music Hall.

Colleen Gray, professor of music and head of voice studies at the university, said that while the 26 student performers will mainly interpret classical compositions, guests could find entertainment in hearing those songs performed to the best of their abilities.

“To see these students perform their skills in the classical developments is exciting,” Gray said. “It is still entertainment, but it is mostly classical selections.”

According to SRU, the competition started as a way to memorialize Williamson, a Slippery Rock Area High School graduate who planned to study music at SRU, but was killed in a traffic accident prior to his freshman year.

Gray said she was speaking to Chad's mother, Karen Legato, about ways they could memorialize him all those years ago, and found that a singing competition would be appropriate. The event turned into an opportunity that is highly anticipated by students and community members.

“He was a good performer,” Gray said of Chad. “It has really become a pinnacle for us. It's a success every year, and there is always time to remember Chad.”

Gray said over the years some students have dedicated songs to Chad and his family, including one just last year.

“Through this event, he is memorialized and his legacy lives on, and I know the students feel?a sense?of pride in honoring him,” Gray said.

Gray said the university always brings in an outside judge to evaluate the singers based solely on their abilities. The judge will narrow the 26 singers down to some finalists, who will then perform a piece of their own selection. The competition is open to SRU students from sophomores to seniors.

The first, second and third place winners will receive scholarships of $750, $500 and $250, respectively, according to the university.

Additionally, the judge will provide feedback for students after they perform.

“The judge is going to make comment sheets with each of the students,” Gray said. “The students really get value from this.”

Gray said voice students are not required to participate in the competition, but it is an opportunity for them to practice performing, learn and make connections.

Gray said she too is excited for the competition, and she knows many people close to the performers are excited as well.

“It's a wonderful time for the families and friends to come and watch the students perform,” Gray said. “People drive in from other states, they try to make it a weekend.”