The Women of Note, a Boynton Beach-based chorus, is trying to reach a younger audience by promoting a scholarship competition for high school women in the area.

The first 20 who apply will audition Nov. 14 with two songs of any style. After the audition, five finalists will be chosen, said Shoshana Davidowitz, a chorus member and show chairwoman.

“This is kind of an 'American Idol' thing,” she said. “Then the five finalists will perform Dec. 12 to be chosen by an audience at our annual show.”

The Women of Note are set to have their annual show, “In the Spotlight: Rising Stars”, at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Eissey Campus Theatre, 3160 PGA Blvd., where the five high school applicants will try to win the crowd’s vote.

“This is our first time doing this, so we want to grow the awards in the future through sponsors and donations,” Davidowitz said.

She said as of now, the winner will get $500, with $400 for second place, $300 for third and $100 for fourth and fifth. Finalists of the Rising Star Vocal Scholarship Competition will be announced one month before the show.

She said the idea behind the competition is to help some area women with college and gain younger interest in the type of music the chorus performs.

Applications and additional competition information can be found at www.womenofnote.com. Applications must be postmarked by October 30, 2009.

This is the group’s first Rising Star Vocal Scholarship Competition and Davidowitz said the group would like to make this an annual event to grow membership and audience participation.

Holly St. John, one of the founding members of the chorus and artistic director, said in this economy, parents are calling the chorus to thank the group for scholarship opportunities.

“We have several that have applied already,” she said. “We know that music programs are getting cut in local schools. We want to recognize local young women and help them pursue music in college and in their careers.”

She said corporate sponsors might be the key to increasing the amount of the scholarship in the future.

Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for Students. To buy tickets, call the Eissey Campus Theatre box office at 561-207-5900.

For additional information about the Women of Note, visit womenofnote.com or call 877-966-7464.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.