=Erin Wanvig
The youth in our community are incredible. Where else in the world can you find kids that say hello voluntarily when crossing paths? Where else can you find youth who hold a door open for you, or say please and thank you?
But that seems fairly normal in our youth culture here. There is a plethora of youth programs and activities most of the year and one of the reasons they taper off during good weather months, is that the kids are out enjoying our scenic back areas, riding bikes, and taking advantage of a Canadian spring and summer, of less than 6 months.
Beginning in 2006, the District of Tumbler has been the sponsor of this vocal competition annually. Each year the kids, limited to ages 6-18, have competed traditionally during BC Arts Week in April. Because of the complicated timing of school, auditions, rehearsal appointments and Spring Break to throw a wrench into plans, the competition this year will take place in May.
In the early years, the attempt was to get the kids ready in as little as two or three rehearsals. The very first Idol competition had kids showing up only once, using a microphone. This proved to be too little preparation, of course. In the last several years, the structure of TR Junior Idol has opened up two weeks of rehearsals prior to the performance date. The kids are allowed to have as many scheduled practices one on one with the vocal coach. The kids have really responded well. Some of them have come almost every day of rehearsals. The more experience they get greatly increases their confidence and readiness for the show. This is a great way to build confidence and experience development in a short amount of time. The kids always inspire awe with their notable progress, as well as the bravery they show just by getting up and following through with the competition.
This year the important dates are as follows: Registration Deadline – Tuesday, April 23rd during Community Centre front desk hours (after Easter weekend); Auditions – Wednesday, April 24th between 6:30 – 8:00 pm; Gold Ticket announcement – TBA; Vocal Rehearsals with Erin from 3:00 – 5:00 pm – Tuesday, April 30th – Friday, May 3rd and Monday, May 6th – Friday, May 10th.
The big show takes place Saturday, May 11th at 1:00 pm in rooms 4/5 of the Community Centre. The winners for each separate age category will be decided by a combined vote of scheduled judges and the audience. Silver donation collected goes towards the youth arts programming, such as Theatre on the Ridge. Many of the same kids participate in both the vocal competition and the youth drama group. Come on out and cheer on the kids and vote for your favourite.
