Searching for a Star Vocal Course on Deck!
They're Back!...Steven, Jaylo and Randy-SFAS Auditions are around the corner!
1/17/2012
Tonight I got a chance to watch American Idol; It was exciting to see it get underway! Another reason for my excitement about the start of American Idol is that our Searching for a Star Stage Course auditions are just around the corner!
The SFAS stage course is designed to get you ready for any stage, and it is my hope to see one of my Searching for a Star students on the American Idol, America’s Got Talent, the Voice or X Factor Stage in the future! Our job is to get you ready...Are you ready to get started ?
The Annual SFAS Stage Course... Tried and True!
This year, Ballard School of Performing Arts, located in Wylie Texas, will sponsor and manage the 8 week SFAS stage course. Unlike in years past the stage course and competition will be separate programs.
In the past, only the performers who enrolled and completed the stage course were allowed to be in the competition. This year the competition will be an "open competition." Any performer, from any city in in Texas will be allowed to audition for the opportunity to compete in the SFAS competition which will be held in June 2012. There will be a $75 fee to enter the Searching for a Star competition. (Only those performers chosen to compete will be charged the fee). After all, in our 2011 Murphy Maze Days competition we had performers come from as far away as Ft. Worth, Keller and get this...San Antonio!
What is the benefit of taking the stage course?
The stage course is designed to sharpen your vocal quality. It’s simple: the more information on vocal techniques that you are privy to, the better you will sing! This program is a confidence builder; it turns a good singer into a great singer! So...if you can, ENROLL IN THE COURSE! I guarantee your performances will be much stronger!
Once a star goes through the course there will be no guessing as to their vocal range, how to sustain quality notes, the importance of breathing correctly as well as how to maintain your vocal health. This education is a must for those who want their voice to be the best quality possible.
Whether you sing as a soloist or in a choir, you can to be ready for auditions, and upcoming competitions! Once your child completes the course they will be much better equipped to compete in the SFAS or any other competition.
Think of it... how amazing would it feel if your vocal performance commanded the attention of the audience so much, that an unmistakable hush falls over the crowd? I’ve seen that happen, and when it does it is totally awesome!
Don’t miss the chance to try out for the SFAS Vocal Stage Course!
For more information visit: www.searchingforastar.org
Click on Contest Info - then the how to audition tab on the Searching for a Star website...
Rob Hunter
www.ballardmusic.com
972-429-0047
Local Singers get ready for Competition!
Registration deadline Feb. 18 for fifth annual Searching for a Star singing competition
Eight-week stage course precedes contest
Is the next Taylor Swift texting in your living room?
Is America's next Justin Bieber at your breakfast table?
Is the next Usher upstairs?
Searching for a Star is an eight-week stage course and competition for singers ages 8 - 21. All are invited to compete, regardless of their level of training. The contest's goal is to find talented area singers, teach them to be even better, and reward them with scholarships and cash prizes for their schools.
Last year, Rowlett resident Olivia Sanborn was the first place winner in the 2010 Searching for a Star elementary division (age 8-10) and Mandolin Wiessner took second place in the senior division (age 14-17).
It's the fifth year for the competition, sponsored by the Ballard School for the Performing Arts in Wylie. Founder Rob Hunter says that, although the competition was inspired by TV's "American Idol," it's more than just a contest.
"Searching for a Star is designed to educate, build self-esteem, and strengthen the character of our youth and young adults. It's as simple as that ... it's completely about sharpening the talent of our kids and helping to mold them into the role models of tomorrow."
For the first round of auditions, students should prepare 16 bars of any music they feel comfortable to sing a cappella. They will perform for a three-person panel of judges.
Deadline for audition registration is 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18. Auditions are on a first-come, first-served basis; visit the Searching for a Star website, www.searchingforastar.org and click on Contest Info for a downloadable registration form. Fill it out, bring it to the Ballard School of the Performing Arts at 130 N. Ballard Ave. in Wylie 75098, or fax it to 972-461-0597. There’s a $35 registration fee; it can be dropped off with the form, mailed, or paid online using a credit card. Auditions are at the Ballard School of the Performing Arts.
Singers compete in three categories: elementary ages 8 through 10), middle (11 - 14), and senior (15 - 21). Three contestants in each group will advance to finals and the chance to become the overall winner.
First-, second- and third-place performers in each category will go on to the finals to compete for the top prize. The overall winner will receive $1,000 cash, and his or her school will win $500 for its fine arts department.
During the eight-week stage course leading up to the competition, performers will sing before a live audience and experience the benefit of professional workshops taught by guest artists who will emphasize stage presence, vocal techniques, animation - all of which will make them more confident, on stage and off.
For more information about Searching for a Star, call 972-429-0047 or visit the website at www.searchingforastar.org.
About the Foundation
Hunter’s Searching for a Star Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) scholarship program whose goal is to use music, dance and theatre to provide quality training and exposure for young performers. Special focus is given to families with limited income but whose children would benefit by extracurricular involvement in performing arts.
Ballard Student Wins Gold
Simeon Harris wins Gold!
Wylie's Simeon Harris (on left in blue) with opponent in sight rounding the first curve
Two weeks ago I wrote about my guitar/music appreciation student Cole Wells, and how he brought home the gold in this year's "Special Olympics".
Cole is the son of Danny and Pam Wells (owners of Wylie Flower Shop), he won the gold medal in the Level 1 skills competition at Highlands Golf Course 3 weeks ago in Lincoln Nebraska.
SIMEON'S DESTINY WITH GOLD
Last week at the Texas State Track and Field finals held in Waco, Simeon Harris my guitar student won the Gold Medal in the 400 meter dash. Simeon is the son of Damone and Stephanie Harris, owners of Destiny's Hair Salon on hwy 544 in Wylie.
Posting a winning time of 1 minute 3.8 seconds Simeon won the race right at the tape in a photo finish !
In addition to his individual race the relay team that Simeon was on took the silver medal in the 4x4 relay.
The Search for a Star Foundation was designed to partner with parents to help build the self confidence of our youth and young adults. Cole and Simeon are students of the Ballard School of Performing Arts, so in honor of their accomplishments they will be awarded the official Searching for a Star pins!
Congratulations Cole and Simeon!
Video of Cole: http://cojmc.unl.edu/specialolympics/?p=3911
Rob Hunter
4th Annual Searching for a Star Compertition Results
Oh What a Night!
2008 SFAS winner , Taylor Beckham opens the 2010 Searching for a Star Semi-Finals Competition...Photo by: D. Bottlinger
Thursday May 27th...THE SEMI FINALS
The Searching for a Star Competition Semi Finals got underway without a hitch. The opening act for the evening was Guitarist Leo Garcia; the newest addition to the teaching staff at the Ballard School of Performing Arts. Mr. Garcia’s performance was very well received as he demonstrated various techniques and sounds on his classical guitar. Many in the audience commented on how much they enjoyed his playing!
Excitement was high as the show got underway with 2008 SFAS winner Taylor Beckham sang the National Anthem. The program continued with the welcome by SFAS Founder, Rob Hunter; the invocation was given by Reverend Raymond Perry; Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Baptist Church in Wylie. Taylor Beckham then returned to the stage to sing her new release "I Heart You"; a song that she wrote. The song was a hit with the audience.
There were 14 performers in the semi finals this year, they all sang and performed marvelously. At the end of the night 9 performers moved on to the finals.
The 9 performers in this year’s “Main Event” (the Finals) were:
(Elementary Category 8 - 10 yrs) Kattie Patton( St. Paul), Kattie Schoenenkase (Parker) Olivia Sanborn (Rowlett)
(Middle Category11 - 13yrs):Meagan McLaughlin(Wylie), Yaminah Lewis (Wylie) and Bianca Loren (Frisco)
(Senior Category 14 - 17yrs): Skylar Addicks(Wylie), Brittany Thomas (Garland) and Mandolin Wiessner (Rowlett).
2009 SFAS winner D'Moreya Woods - Photo by: D. Bottlinger
Friday May 28th...THE FINALS
The show Stoppers...A group of violinists under the direction of Sue Hewitt; instructor of violin and piano at Ballard School of Performing Arts got the evening started. Their selections were very well received. Also, special guest singer Marcie sang on both nights to the crowds delight!
Our thanks to Sue Hewitt and Macie for their participation.
After the welcome and opening prayer by Kris Segrest, Pastor First Baptists Church in Wylie, the show got underway. Fist up was D’Morea Woods 2009 SFAS over-all winner who sang "There is Hope". I was so pleased to hear the quality of his voice; he sang so well. It is evident that both our 2008 & 2009 SFAS winners have both continued pursuing the goal of becoming singer/entertainers!
In 2009 the SFAS Ambassador program was established. Our Ambasodors make perodic appearances at events sponsored by SFAS during the performers winning year.
D'Moreya was actively involved by appearing at singing engagements and other events throughout 2009.
"Team Woods" consisting of Ken and Savannah Woods (D'Moreya’s Parents) were very active too. Mr. an Mrs. Woods are both members of the SFAS Planning Committee & Mrs. Woods serves as Vice Chair on the Searching for a Star Advisory Board. I commended them for the involvement and encouragement that they give to their son D' Moreya. Search for a Star Foundation is thankful for their support.
Oh What Night!
2010 Stars - Photo by: Dave Bottlinger
What a Night! What a show! The stars really cameout to shine, and they had plenty of support from past stars along with the 2010 star performers! They reallysupported the finalists. After each performance from the stars section the supporting cast whooped, hollard & high 5'd each performing star. It was the kind of camaraderie that SFAS Staff had hoped for...
The battle was on! Each performer had to sing two (2) songs; the 1st, a Performer's Choice song and the 2nd, the "Founder's Choice"; a song chosen by Rob Hunter. The way our stars were singing you could tell that they all wanted the top prize. Some of them turned in their best performances of the year!
After the performances the votes were tallied, and the results were given to Max Kennedy the MC for he evening.
Here are the results:
(Elementary Category 8 - 10 yrs) - 1st place winner Olivia Sanborn, 2nd place - Katie Schonenkase and 3rd place winner is Katie Patton.
In the (Middle Category 11 - 13yrs): 1st place winner - Bianca Loren, 2nd Place winner - Yaminah Lewis and
3rd place winner - Meagan McLaughlin.
In the (Senior category 14 - 17 yrs.) 1st place - Brittany Thomas, 2nd place - Mandolin Wiessner and 3rd place - Skylar Addicks. Each performer received trophies, medallions and cash awards.
Brittany Thomas Winner 2010 SFAS Competition - Photo by: D. Bottlinger
Brittany Wins!
This year’s over-all winner is Brittany Thomas! For her win Brittany received $1000 cash award from the Search for a Star Foundation and a $500 scholarship award will be awarded to the fine arts department of Brittany’s school; NaamanForrest High School. Search for a Star Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to help fine arts students.
City of Garland Mayor Ronald Jones was attended to present awards to Brittany. " I am so proud of my star; Brittany" said Mayor Jones, "I love what the Searching for a Star Program is doing for our youth”. Special thanks to Mayor Mike Felix; he has been an avid supporter of his Stars from Sachse and has attended all four SFAS finals. Other city representatives attending were: Rowlett Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Todd Gottel whose city had 2 performers in the competition! Parker Mayor,
Joe Cordina, and Murphy Councilman, John Daugherty attended to show support and award medals and trophies to the Star Performers from their cities. On behalf of Searching for a star I personally thank each city representative for coming. The youth and parent teams were very pleased that you came. We hope to see you again next year! Your appearance was a very important part of the awards ceremony. The performers and families thank you for your support. We hope you enjoyed the Searching for a Star experience...
Special thanks to my wife Debbie who works tirelessly with me, our emcee Max Kennedy, Pastor of Park Lake Church in Sachse, to Franklin Dillow our presiding judge and to all of our volunteers, especially our judges who had the toughest job ever! Thanks to all of the families who trusted us with your most precious gifts...your children!
I hope the SFAS experience is one that you cherish for years to come...
Lastly... to all of the SFAS Performers past and present, you will always be a star! Continue to pursue your dreams and don’t let anyone or anything hold you back!
Sincerely,
Rob Hunter
Search for a Star Donated to Area Fine Arts Department
June 25th, 2010
Article Date: June 23, 2010
Left to Right - Mayor Jones, E. Thomas, Brittany, R Draper (Choir Director) and Rob Hunter
This spring, Brittany Thomas claimed top honors at the annual Searching for a Star Foundation talent competition and as part of her prize, the Naaman Forest student earned a $500 scholarship for her school's choir program.
Thomas, along with her mother Euphania, met with Searching for a Star founder and CEO Rob Hunter last week at Garland ISD administrative offices where they received the donation. The trio was joined by George Jones, GISD Director of Fine Arts, NFHS choir teacher Rob Draper and Garland Mayor Ron Jones.
"Brittany is our shining star", Hunter said. "From the start I could tell that she was a contender. She had a distinctly warm voice, wonderful personality, a smile that could light up a room; and beside all that she had talent!"
An eight-week stage course preceded this year's competition which leveled the playing field and made the contest more intense. After navigating her way into the final round, Thomas clinched the first place with her rendition of Celine Dion's "I'm Alive". That earned her $1,000 in cash and awards.
But Hunter's philanthropy did not stop with the contest. He wanted to reward Thomas's campus as well.
Mayor Jones (Garland) Brittany Thomas (R)
"Music is a wonderful outlet for these students to become involved with," he said. "When kids are away from school we want to keep them interested and engaged in positive activities that will help them develop as people. Fine Arts programs at schools do so much for students. They help them find new ways of expression and productive things to focus on when they are away from the classroom. We want to work with schools however we can to help them continue reaching out to kids and this is one way we can give back."
In addition to the check, Thomas and Hunter presented attendees with official Searching for a Star Foundation medals and lapel pins
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