Student and adult musicians will be able to compete for substantial prizes in the ‘Song for the Shuswap’ contest….

The Shuswap Watershed Project
MEDIA RELEASE
February 25, 2010

Shuswap’s First Song Writing Contest Announced

Upon the release of the first ever map and poster of our region, the Shuswap Watershed Project is pleased to announce the first ever song writing contest dedicated solely to the Shuswap. Student and adult musicians will be able to compete for substantial prizes in the ‘Song for the Shuswap’ contest that were donated by local businesses and individuals.

Song writing contestants will need to compose lyrics and music for a song that has the words Shuswap and water in it and that conveys what it means to live in and appreciate the Shuswap region. The contest is open to both amateur and professional songwriters and musicians. Songs will need to be totally original works and be between 3 and 5 minutes in length. There are two categories available; Youth : 18 and under, Adult : 19 and over.

School District #83 Music Supervisor Gordon Waters is one of the contest judges and he remarked, ‘The Shuswap is fortunate to have so many talented musicians living here and this contest will give many of them a challenge to focus their creative energies to make music that celebrates our amazing region.’

Young musicians have the opportunity to win a $200 cash prize, plus a glass sculpture award by Chuck St. John, a Roots & Blues 2010 Festival pass, and a live interview on EZ Rock; and second place winners get a $100 cash prize. In the adult category, songwriters have a chance for a $400 cash prize, plus a glass sculpture award, a Roots & Blues pass, and a live radio interview; while second prize winners will receive a $200 cash prize.

‘I am excited to have the opportunity to help organize the events during Celebrate the Shuswap Week, especially the Song for the Shuswap Contest which will bring together the many musicians and music lovers in our region to share music about our beautiful watershed,’ said Monica Gail Kriese, event coordinator.
Registration forms are available online at www.shuswapwatershed.ca and at Acorn Music, EZ Rock 91.5fm, and the Salmon Arm Observer office.

Shuswap Watershed Project extends its utmost appreciation to our generous contest sponsors: Acorn Music, EZ Rock 91.5fm, Salmon Arm Observer, Barley Station Brew Pub, Takezushi Sushi Restaurant, Scotch Creek Super Valu, John & Sonja Woods, Doug & Joanne Leatherdale, Jan & Don Sawyer (NESA). ROXY FX Music, Roots and Blues Festival, Shuswap Water Action Team, Salmar Community Association, Shuswap Singers and Chuck St. John

For more information, contact:
Monica Gail Kriese, ‘Celebrate the Shuswap’ Event Coordinator, 833-6100