Cochrane’s young artistic talent should start logging a few more practice hours, because the Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival is right around the corner.
Celebrating its 25th year running, the festival will take place at Cochrane Toyota from May 6-8.
“This year, we’ll have about 150 kids in the festival,” said Cyndie Baum, chair of the festival. “And we’re so excited. That’s a lot of kids and a lot of talent.
“We’re continuing to do what the festival set out to do, which is to foster the love of fine arts in children.”
Performance categories include vocal, instrumental, original composition, dance, drama and visual arts.
The three-day event is a constructive process, said Baum. Registrants will choose a category for themselves, based on their talent and experience, and perform for the adjudicators in small groups.
“This way, each of the groups will have similar song choices and similar skill levels,” explained Baum. “This will give kids a good idea about what others at a similar level are doing.”
Competitors range from newcomers to children who could play professionally, added Baum.
The festival will feature two adjudicators: Brendan Waters, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist; and Michelle Minke, a Calgary soprano and vocal instructor at Ambrose University College.
These two judges will provide marks and feedback to festival contestants.
The top performers will hit the stage one last time at RockPointe Church on May 10, for the Show Finale. Here, Baum said a panel will judge and award the contestants based on their enjoyment of the performance.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.
For the second year running, $5,000 worth of scholarships will be given out to festival participants. This year, five lucky winners will leave with a cool $1,000 to be spent on furthering their talent.
The five Illa Rumpel Scholarships will be given out based on need and potential. Contenders must have the drive and discipline to pursue their talents, said Baum, along with a plan to spend the scholarship money.
For more information on the Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival, visit the webpage at cochraneyouthtalent.ca.
To be eligible, registrants must be 18 or under as of Jan. 1, 2013.
