In this current society, youth are subject to so many hurdles: both parents working, inflated use of drugs in schools, and bullying to name a few.
For the youth in the community who have no interest in sports, music is one release.
Our Kids Have Talent has reached out to more than 250 children with various levels of talent and some facing daily challenges.
“The sole purpose of youth participation, sports or music, is to accomplishment a sense of belonging and a foundation to build confidence,” said Kath Raeber, organizer of the annual music competition for youth ages eight through 18, with a mandate to provide opportunity for all musical youth.
Auditions for the fourth annual Our Kids Have Talent competition take place at St. James Parish Hall in Vernon, Saturday and Sunday.
“If you, or someone you know, should be in this competition and they haven’t got their application in yet, now would be the time to do that,” said Raeber. “The prizes are amazing, and the opportunities fantastic.”
Youth of all musical and skill levels are welcome to apply, and organizers have arranged a number of prizes for the top 10 gala finals, to take place March 10, also at St. James hall.
The top 10 finishers will receive a sterling silver necklace compliments of Cotton’s Chocolates, while the top five will play at the Summerland Action Festival held June 1 to 3
The first place winner will receive a surprise as well as automatic entry into the Armstrong IPE to compete for the nationals.
Money is also on the line with second place receiving $1,500, sponsored by Kal Tire, and third place getting $500, sponsored by Bannister GM Vernon.
Best Overall Performance, sponsored by Rainbow Retreat Lodge, will receive one song unplugged produced by Juno nominee Nancy Nash. The Best Single Performance, sponsored by Piano Jam Studios, will receive one song studio production with master musician Henry Piovesan, while Best Group of Four or more, sponsored by QR Freedom, will receive one musician’s webpage plus a QR.GL (social media landing pad).
Those wishing to audition can download the application at www.rarearthmusic.com. Deadline for entries is Friday. For more information, contact Raeber at 250-938-2231.
