Following on the popularity of television’s American Idol, many years ago, the little town of Tumbler Ridge began having their own version. There had been one stand-alone event with adults, however they seemed more nervous to get up and sing than the youths did.
Thus began the annual vocal competition tailored specifically for youth, TR Junior Idol. That was 2007. There were many kids who signed up, excited and anxious. As a brand new vocal coach, this was a learn-on-the-job adventure. The outline was extremely simple back then, with kids basically choosing a song, rehearsing on their own (presumably) and then getting one rehearsal on microphone before the show. Oh, how things have changed.
These kids continue to amaze, with their bravery of getting up to sing in front of others. As is pretty typical with kids in general, there were some situations that ultimately caused hurt feelings and jealousy. But through encouragement, discussions with the kids and parents and the zero-tolerance policy for unkind conduct, the competition became much smoother.
The contest has always been sponsored by the District of Tumbler Ridge and the Tumbler Ridge Community Arts Council. The arts council’s contribution, as well as use of providing backtracks, stage lighting and sound equipment, is the volunteer hours put in for coaching the kids. It has gone from once on the microphone, to now two weeks of rehearsal. Of course this could only serve to give the kids much more confidence and help with areas they needed guidance with. Ultimately, the kids do choose what they want to perform and every step in between. Choice is extremely important.
But how do you keep it fresh? In the beginning, it was a little less structured and age categories came into play within a few years. Out of fairness, you can’t expect an 8 year old to compete with a 14 year old. That’s not to say the 8 year old is not just as talented, but many factors play into it, so age categories were the solution. Many years there was still inequity within that structure, but because the registration is really the first look at who shows up and how to decide on age categories, it is always a bit of an unknown factor. Further that, some kids join later and some drop out, so it’s not a guarantee of how kids will be divided into groups. TR Junior Idol has always been about stressing the importance of building confidence.
During the rehearsal process, the kids always gravitate to staying afterwards, with hopes of convincing the coach to put on their favourite songs, and they all have a real time of it singing, dancing and connecting. Great friendships form out of this type of team environment. While that was never necessarily considered in the early stages, it certainly has become an awesome upshot in the long-run.
But after so many years of the same structure, it is time to change a little. This year, we will be introducing another category. “Accompaniment” will encompass the opportunity for competitors to either sing in a duet, or accompanied by a live musician. There have been accompaniments performed in other years, usually during intermission/vote count that are not part of the competition, but instead some entertainment while the votes were calculated. Several times over the years, a contestant may have had a musician accompany them for the contest. This is the next progressive step, to continue to grow the competition and in the mission to build confidence in our young people through live performing arts. Good luck to all of our contestants this year!
Registration forms are available at the front desk of the community centre. Rehearsal dates are Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, February 24, a week’s break, and continued rehearsals Monday, March 6 through Friday, March 10. The final show will be on Sunday, February 12.
