Three central Alberta high schools are in a contest that gets them up close and personal with an iconic rock band.

When Foreigner makes their stop in Red Deer next week, one local choir will get to sing on stage with the band, who will also support the winning school’s music program.

Some of the students admit their knowledge of Foreigner may be limited.

“I've heard a couple of their songs just because of my dad,” explained grade 12 Hunting Hills High School student Josee Herrera.

Still they all know one of the band’s biggest hits ‘I want to know what love is’.

Soon, they could get to sing that song on stage with the band when they make their stop in Red Deer October 13.

“It would be a very amazing experience,” said Lindsay Thurber High School student Ayrton Chiliback.

Fellow choir member Tasia Racette added, “This is awesome it's an opportunity for our choir, for our school.”

The band asked local radio station Zed 98.9 FM to help them put on a contest. Local high school choirs submitted video entries online, and the one with the most votes gets the gig, and wins $500 for their choir program.

“Foreigner is an international band, and the fact that they're reaching out and letting local choirs get on stage with them... it's got to be a thrill of a lifetime for the choir,” said Zed Program Director Jeff Murray.

Their teachers too are excited for the opportunity.

“It means that they're willing to grow a program like ours and let these kids learn from them,” said Hunting Hills director Anita Kennedy.

They are thrilled that a big band would go out of their way to support budding musicians.

“I think it’s really thoughtful of them to think of a high school choir, to think of students who enjoy music,” said Lindsay Thurber choir teacher Andrew Snyder.

Win or lose, the young singers are happy to have had the chance to try out.

“It's been a really great experience, just bonding with the new members of the band this year,” explained Herrera.

Online voting ends October 5 and the winner will be announced the following day.

You can vote online.