"It's just our own version of American Idol," said WHS piano teacher Elizabeth Parks. "We do a school-wide audition, not just kids in the fine arts department, so it's open to all talented people in the school."
She said students auditioned for the event in December and that they have been working hard on their performances -- along with faculty.
"We have been non-stop, on the go editing the music and doing the production part and all the little details," Parks said.
The night will follow closely to the format of the popular TV series, with the 12 contestants performing 90 seconds to two minutes worth of a song and the audience voting on their favorite six. A trio of judges will pick three of the six contestants, and then a final performance will be given, after which the audience will vote for the 2012-2013 Woodland Idol.
The event will feature additional entertainment including a live band and a performance by 2010-2011 Woodland Idol Savannah Lowery.
"We'll have a lot of door prizes and audience participation where the audience votes, just like in the real American Idol," Parks said.
Tickets for the event are available through the school -- 770-606-5870 -- for $5, with tickets the night of the event costing $7. Bartow County Public Schools employees are admitted free of charge, with a guest.
"Someone has said it's as big as a football game because usually we draw 500 or more people and it's just an exciting evening," Parks said.
She said the performing arts center becomes like a concert hall the night of Woodland Idol and that the event is family-friendly.
"We try to have a concert-like atmosphere, and kids love music and [Woodland Idol] has music of all types," Parks said. "We have country music, reggae, pop, R & B, Christian -- it's just every type of music the kids are singing and so that's just a lot of fun," Parks said.
Funds raised during the event will go to upgrade the schools' pianos.