BATH — A dozen children from the Bath area will be traveling to New York next weekend to compete at the annual Territorial Star Search, Salvation Army’s version of “American Idol.”

The children will compete on Saturday, June 15, at Hilton Rye Town, Rye Brook, N.Y., along with other youths from The Salvation Army Eastern Territory, comprised of 11 states.

The children and chaperones will depart from The Salvation Army’s facility at 25 Congress Ave. on Thursday, June 13, at 8 a.m.

The corps officers, Capts. Jean Marie and Kenneth Henderson, are thrilled to see their students excel.

“These children have worked very hard all year long from September to May in their area of music arts,” said Capt. Jean Marie. “Their dedication has paid off and now with the community’s help they will be on their way to New York for competition.”

Salvation Army Corps (facilities) throughout the Northern New England division — which covers Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont — are encouraged to develop their musical and gospel arts programs. One facet of the Music & Gospel Arts program is Star Search. Children will perform in the following categories: Brass Soloist, Drama Monologue, Drama Troupe, Piano, Singing Company, Snare Drum, Sacred Dance Solo and Troupe, Timbrel, Vocal Soloist and Youth Band.

Students ages 6-21 participate and those who excel in their programs continue on to the Divisional Star Search competition at The Salvation Army’s Divisional Headquarters in Portland.

Students are rated by a panel of judges on their performances. First-place winners in various categories such as Brass Soloist, Drama Monologue, Singing Company, Youth Band and more will advance to the Territorial Star Search.

First-, second- and thirdplace winners at the territorial level receive trophies and scholarships for a week at the Music & Gospel Arts Camps at Star Lake in Bloomingdale, N.J., or at Territorial Arts Ministry in Suffern, N.Y.

Star Search can help in the development of self-assurance and confidence. It can help children to understand the importance of proper preparation and of presenting themselves in a positive way. Those in groups can learn the importance of working together with others toward a common goal.

Music plays an important role in The Salvation Army’s ministry and life, and has since its earliest days. Early Salvation Army musicians used brass instruments to attract people and speak of God’s love for them. From those early beginnings, Salvation Army music has traveled around the world.

The Salvation Army’s Divisional Music & Gospel Arts program is under the leadership of Andrew Poulopoulos.