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Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have compiled a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions. If this page doesn't address your outstanding question, please feel free to contact us by email or call us at 1-800-230-0053.

1. What is How Sweet the Sound?
2. How long has How Sweet the Sound been in existence?
3. Is there a fee to register?
4. Who can participate?
5. Our choir is not affiliated with a church. Can we still participate?
6. Where are the Regional Round events held, and what time?
7. What are the registration deadlines?
8. At which Verizon Wireless stores can I submit my completed registration materials?
9. My choir only has 6 members—are we too small?
10. Is it required to perform a song from the song list?
11. Do the audition videos need to be a certain length?
12. What is your policy on switching band/singers?
13. How do you know if your choir made it to Round 2?
14. Can my church get free tickets?
15. What can automatically disqualify our video registration?
16. How can I get my immediate registration and competition questions answered?

1. What is How Sweet the Sound?

How Sweet the Sound, a Verizon experience, is a nationwide search for the best church choir in America. The goal of the program is to celebrate music and create a lasting impact on churches and communities across the country.

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2. How long has How Sweet the Sound been in existence?

A pilot program was held in Memphis, TN on October 6, 2007. The success of this event drove the expansion of How Sweet the Sound into 11 markets including a grand finale from 2007-2009. Now HSTS has expanded into 14 markets for 2010.

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3. Is there a fee to register?

There is no registration fee.

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4. Who can participate?

• Any Choir that is or is affiliated with a religious organization with a tax-exempt ID number and a mailing address within the zip codes of the 14 Regions. Click here for a list of the 14 Regions.
• Each Choir must have between 6 to 100 members performing on stage.
• Each participant must be 18 years of age or older as of January 10, 2010.
• Choir representative must be 21 years or older as of January 10, 2010.
• For more information please review the official rules and regulations. Click here for the rules and regulations.

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5. Our choir is not affiliated with a church. Can we still participate?

As long as your choir is associated with a religious organization that is considered a tax-exempt organization pursuant to Section 501 (c) (3) and 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, your choir can participate. Click here for the specific clause in the official rules.

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6. Where are the Regional Round events held, and what time?

Click here for a list of Regional Round cities, dates and times.

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7. What are the registration deadlines?

Online Entry: Completed entries must be received at www.HowSweetTheSound.com by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, May 17th, 2010.Online Registration ends at 11:59 ET on Monday, May 17, 2010.

Mail-in Entry: Completed entries must be received no later than Monday, May 17th 2010. Entries should be mailed in one package to:
How Sweet the Sound, 125 East Broad St., Greenville, SC 29601.

In-Store Entry: Completed entries must be hand-delivered in one package to a participating Verizon Wireless branch store during that store’s business hours and placed in the registration box between a) the opening of business of that store’s business hours on February 26, 2010 and b) the close of that store’s business hours on May 17, 2010.

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8. At which Verizon Wireless stores can I submit my completed registration materials?

Please click here for a list of participating stores.

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9. My choir only has 6 members—are we too small?

Not at all! In fact, one of the National Finalists from 2008 was a choir with only 8 members. Click here to view their video.

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10. Is it required to perform a song from the song list?

Yes, all choirs must choose one song from the approved song list in order to be compliant with the Official Rules and Regulations. For more information on the approved song list and other requirements, please visit http://www2.howsweetthesound.com/general/official_rules.

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11. Do the audition videos need to be a certain length?

Yes. Video submissions must be no less than thirty (30) seconds and no longer than three (3) minutes in length.

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12. What is your policy on switching band/singers?

The Choir Representative must provide a complete list (“Member List”) of all Choir Members (first and last names and dates of birth) who appeared in the Video and who will also perform at the Regional Round (and at the Grand Finale Round, if selected). For clarity, only Members who appeared in the Video may perform at the Regional Round or Grand Finale Round (if selected), unless Verizon Wireless agrees otherwise in its sole discretion.

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13. How do you know if your choir made it to Round 2?

A member of the HSTS team will notify the Choir Representative on or about July 5, 2010 by telephone, mail or email.

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14. Can my church get free tickets?

Unfortunately, we do not give free tickets to HSTS. Tickets can be purchased at venue box offices and Ticketmaster at various price points.

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15. What can automatically disqualify our video registration?

Click here to review complete list of registration and competition rules.

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16. How can I get my immediate registration and competition questions answered?

You can email all of your questions to help@howsweetthesound.com or call 1-800-230-0053.

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