Talent United competition is underway!
The United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is thrilled to present Talent United, a vibrant showcase of the incredible talent residing within our communities. This exciting competition invites individuals of all ages, whether you live, work, or attend school in Dutchess or Orange counties, to share their unique skills. From singers and dancers to magicians and comedians, Talent United is a platform for our region's diverse artistry to shine, all while supporting the vital work of the United Way. Prepare to be amazed as we celebrate the power of community and the extraordinary talent that unites us.
Winners will be determined by popular vote and announced at the Celebration of Service event on April 29th with prizes awarded.
Voting
March 30th - April 22nd (Double Vote Thursdays)
- Contest is open to anyone who lives, works or attends schools in Dutchess and Orange Counties.
- Adults and children are eligible. Video submission must be no more than 3 minutes long.
- Video submission must be received by UWDOR by March 20, 2026.
- All contestants must fill out the media consent form.
- For those under 18, a parent or guardian must provide consent.
- All videos will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will determine our top entries.
- Top entries will be announced on March 25, 2026.
- The top entries will be voted on by our community (March 25th - April 22nd).
- You can share the link to your page on social media with family and friends.
- Voting ends promptly on April 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- Winners will be determined by the highest number of votes received by April 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- All top contestants will be listed in the Celebration of Service program journal.
- The top three contestants will be showcased at the Celebration of Service on April 29, 2026 at City Winery in Montgomery.
- The top three winners will be invited as our guests (with a guest) to the Celebration of Service.
- Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.
- The top three winners will be featured in a UWDOR publicity Campaign.
- The top three winners will receive a donation to a charity (501c3) of their choice located in either Dutchess or Orange County.
Chris T.
About the Artist
I have been singing since I was a child, and my family has always been into music and performing. I’ve pursued theatre and music throughout school into college at SUNY New Paltz. A memorable moment in my theatre and singing career is actually the attached video, a musical theatre student showcase at my college, where we performed our favorite musical theatre songs in a cabaret. In the future, I would love to continue pursuing theatre and music, and to put out my own music.
Daniel M.
About the Artist
Dan has been playing the bagpipes for approximately 9 years and is a member and former Pipe Corporal of a Hudson Valley pipe band composed primarily of firefighters and first responders.
Starting with a practice chanter and a million questions in 2017, he quickly graduated to the pipes thanks to some expert tutelage. Since then, he has performed in numerous parades, solo gigs, and group gigs.
Ed D.
About the Artist
I first found my love for music in high school, singing and playing guitar in a youth group and at church, where those early experiences helped shape both my confidence and passion. In college, that passion continued as I played with friends at coffeehouses, sharing music in a more relaxed, creative setting. One of the most meaningful moments came when I sang to my wife at our wedding, turning music into a deeply personal expression of love. Now, that journey has come full circle as I sing to my toddler granddaughters, creating new memories and passing on the joy that music has always brought into my life. I was inspired by the songs I played at church because they told meaningful stories that I felt compelled to share with others.
Emily T.
About the Artist
Our female lead singer and our bassist, our father and daughter, and we have made music our whole life together; the rest of our band has come together through community and playing music with other people. We play at bars for fun, but we also play for birthday parties and help with the celebration! Our goals are to keep playing together and sharing music with everyone! We do it for the love of it, nothing more!
Gregory L.
About the Artist
I started piano lessons at 6, and went through school as an all-around music nerd (piano & voice in chorus, xylophone in marching band, bassoon in symphonic band, electric piano in jazz band). I put all that away in adulthood as I pursued careers in the Air Force, FBI, and IBM. I'm back in Dutchess County, working for the Public Defender's Office, and have been able to pursue a renewed interest in music, playing and performing with the Tivoli Community Chorus and the Rhinebeck Choral Club. In addition to creative and aesthetic expression, I use music as a form of therapy and stress management. I occasionally post recordings of my musical forays on social media for friends & family, in hopes that they enjoy listening to it as much as I did playing it.
Hailey W.
About the Artist
I have been singing and making music for as long as I can remember, getting my start by taking piano lessons weekly after school. I also play a little guitar and ukulele for fun! I was a choir kid for years and wrote my first song when I was sixteen. I have been writing songs as a creative outlet ever since. I've always found melodies fascinating and used to write a lot of poetry and creative writing, so songwriting became a perfect blend of my passions and hobbies. I remember performing at my music department’s variety show in my senior year of high school. That was the first time I’d ever shared an original song before on stage. Since then, I have written over 40 original songs, started a YouTube channel for my music, and released my debut album, “Everything In Between,” on streaming platforms. I performed with my church’s worship team for many years, singing and playing the keyboard. I offered free piano lessons in high school because I love teaching and sharing music. I have collaborated closely with a good friend and musician, Chase, who goes by the stage name CeeDee, in the past on a handful of tracks. I plan to continue making and releasing music in the near future. This song, entitled “Nothing Else Matters,” is an original song of mine and one of my personal favorites.
Mia O.
About the Artist
My name is Mia Oberpriller, and I am a 16-year-old student at Valley Central High School. I have been singing for as long as I can remember, and I truly cannot imagine my life without music. Singing allows me to express myself, connect with others, and share something meaningful with the people around me. I was born with a genetic condition called Cystic Fibrosis, which affects my lungs and digestive system. Living with a lifelong illness comes with challenges, but it has also given me determination and motivation to pursue my dreams. Music has always been a source of strength and inspiration for me, and it encourages me to keep pushing forward. My love for singing started when I was very young. I realized early on how powerful music can be in bringing people together and creating emotional connections. Over time, performing became something I truly enjoy, and every opportunity to sing helps me grow more confident in my voice and abilities. One of the most memorable moments in my journey has been volunteering my voice for community events. I had the honor of singing the National Anthem at a CCLT fundraiser and at a local Eagle Scout ceremony. Being able to contribute my talent to events that celebrate service and community is incredibly meaningful to me. Outside of performing, I am also involved in volunteer work through several honor societies and through Project My Day, Inc., where I help support youth in foster care. Giving back to the community is very important to me. In the future, I hope to continue developing my vocal abilities, performing on larger stages, and using music to inspire others. My goal is to keep growing as a performer while using my voice to spread positivity, encouragement, and hope.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Spangler at (845) 471-1900, ext. 3120 or lspangler@uwdor.org
