Composers and musicians are always scrounging for opportunities to make money. And that’s part of the reason organizers for 2011 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games are puzzled that no one has submitted an entry for their songwriting competition.
The games’ theme song competition kicked off April 16 and the deadline for submissions was initially set for tomorrow. However, due to the poor response, games manager Stephen Bourdeau says the deadline has been extended to Thursday, July 15.
In addition to postering the community, games officials had contacted schools, colleges and post-secondary institutions.
“Feedback we received from St. Albert Idol contestants was that people are too busy with school to submit anything,” explained Bourdeau.
“They also had the impression it would not be sung by them — that it would be sung by someone else. Whoever wins can sing their song. If they are not comfortable singing, we will find someone else to sing.”
The winner will receive a $500 honorarium, a professional recording of the song and an opportunity to perform it throughout the games running Feb. 24 to 27.
The song’s vibe needs to reflect the mix of physically and mentally challenging sports.
“It needs to capture people’s imagination. It’s got to have energy and be moving. Our tag line is ‘Bring it On’ and we want a song to pump up the participants, pump up the volunteers and the spectators.”
Composers must be St. Albert residents and any songwriter under 18 needs parental approval. Judges require a CD demo or MP3 recording and lyric sheet.
Entry guidelines and forms can be obtained either at Visionary College or the games website at www.st-albert55plusgames.ca. Submissions can be dropped off at 25 Sir Winston Churchill Ave.
