Sound of Youth draws musicians

Niki Veniot, centre, listens to a sales pitch by fellow NRHS students Holly Mathias, left, and Sara Watters to compete in the deCoste Entertainment Centre’s Sound of Youth contest. Mathias and Watters are members of the centre’s board of directors. (Goodwin photo)

PICTOU – The deCoste Centre is encouraging talented local youth in the community to participate in the Sound of Youth music competition the centre is hosting this spring.
Niki Veniot is among those who have been invited by her peers – Holly Mathias and Sara Watters – to take part.
“I’ll probably do it,” Veniot said. “The program they’re putting on seems to be top-notch.”
Local musician David Pos, who instructs students in various local schools, is helping to organize the event and get students thinking about joining the competition.
“He mentioned the contest and I’ve been considering it ever since,” Veniot said.
Mathias and Watters have a special incentive to engage more students in the contest. They have become members of the centre’s board of directors and are the first high school students named to the board. They hope the contest will get more youth involved and raise the centre’s profile.
“The contest is totally to promote the deCoste Centre,” Pos said. “That’s why Sara and Holly are full board members.”
Individuals and groups of up to five people aged 14 to 30 are being asked to submit a sample of their music on a CD or flash drive by Feb. 29 for the chance to be a finalist in an onstage competition during March and April.
The top prize is a recording session with local legend Dave Gunning.
The contest will run in two phases. The first is the initial submissions to be judged by local panelists. Industry peers will judge these submissions for the second phase. Only a few will be chosen to advance to the second phase.
Cover songs are permitted, and originals are encouraged, organizer David Pos says.
Contestants are being asked to stick to a semi-acoustic instrumentation with no drums.
Submissions can be dropped off at H and R Music, Blue C Music, Town of Pictou Recreation Office, or designated instructor/representative at local schools.
Restrictions include no previous income gained from music produced such as selling songs on ITunes or being professionally paid for a performance. Obscene content is prohibited.
All applicants will receive a complimentary 2012 deCoste membership whether or not they advance to the second phase.
All second phase participants will have a video recording done of their song, which will be uploaded to the deCoste site and YouTube channel. They will also be invited to perform live at the Murray Room in the deCoste prior to a main show.
Besides Advocate Printing and Publishing, participating sponsors include Dave Gunning and Wee House of Music, H&R Music, Blue C Music and Gig Street Pictou.