The Calgary Stampede isn’t all about the rodeo and cowboys – you can usually find a stellar line-up of entertainment outside the rodeo grounds.
Part of that entertainment includes the Calgary Stampede Talent Search. The competition is in its 34th year and is designed to showcase young performers on a large stage. They also have the opportunity to win over $10,000 in cash and scholarships.
This year there are a few performers from the Cochrane area who are hoping to take home the top prize.
Age: 17
This is Zuczek’s first competition and she will be competing as a vocalist and pianist. She said she entered because she wanted to gain experience as a solo act – she often plays music with other people.
“I am nervous but the good kind of nervous,” said Zuczek. She is particularly excited to see the other performers in action – as well as perform herself.
“I’ve always enjoyed the way music made me feel and I’ve been involved with music since I could remember,” she said. “I never really decided to be a performer – I just know I am.”
Zuczek said that the music programs offered at Cochrane High have definitely helped her grow and learn a lot – especially Cochrane High’s Performing Arts program where she said she learned stage presence and many other very helpful skills.
Age: 13
This is vocalist Sydney Mae’s first time competing in the Calgary Stampede Talent Search, but she has competed in other competitions and been quite successful.
She won first place in the Ponoka Stampede Talent Search, won the Fan Choice Award at the Big Valley Jamboree Talent Search and won runner up in the Global Country Star Search – this also included a trip to Nashville.
She said she loves to share her passion of music and songwriting with others and is excited for the Talent Search.
“I have grown a lot since I’ve moved to Cochrane because it has brought me a lot of opportunities,” she said.
Age: 17
Duffy is a dancer and will be competing for the first time in the Calgary Stampede Talent Search with a contemporary dance routine. She said she views the competition as a great opportunity to grow as a performer and receive feedback on how to improve.
“I do my own choreography to my solos, so it’s great for me to see how it is received by the audience as well,” said Duffy.
The dancer has participated in the Cochrane Youth Talent Festival before and other dance competitions around Calgary with her dance studio.
She has been training in dance for 9 years with the Eurhythmics Dance Studio in Cochrane.
Duffy said she has had some set backs over the years due to multiple knee surgeries, but she has a passion for dance and loves to be on stage whenever she can.
“That period of time where I was unable to dance just makes every moment count so much more when I’m on stage and performing,” said Duffy. “I never take it for granted anymore,”
Age: 16
Talent: vocalist
Kirk has been competing in the Stampede Talent Search for 7 years now and said she has loved every single year.
“It’s a great place to showcase your talent and meet other performers that are interested in the same things that you are,” said Kirk. “It also can lead to other performing opportunities around the city, which is great!”
Kirk has been classically trained in vocals but has been venturing out into more of the country side of the vocal world. She describes her sound as country with a classical influence.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve always been a performer. I always wanted to be up on stage and singing or playing instruments,” explained Kirk saying her sister has been a big influence on her career, convincing her ever since she was little that she should be a performer.
Kirk said she thinks winning would be an opportunity that would open a lot of doors for her career and get her name out there.
