Mountain Youth Talent Contest New for 2017

Mountain Youth Talent Contest Dates
Four Contests will be held in 2017:

·      * Greening Up the Mountains, Sylva (April 22, deadline April 14)

·      * Stecoah Valley Bluegrass Festival, Stecoah (May 20, deadline May 12)

·      * Franklin Area Folk Festival, Franklin (August 19, deadline August 11)

·      * Mountain Heritage Day at WCU, Cullowhee (September 30, for Best of Show winners) 

New Information for 2017 

This is the 20^th year for the Contests and we are working on a new direction to bring more meaning, energy, and participation to the activity.

The purpose of the Contests remains the same – “… to discover, develop, and encourage talent in youth in traditional Appalachian music, storytelling and dance and provide an opportunity for young people to perform on stage before an audience.”

Here’s what will be different:

1) Prize money will no longer be awarded in each category.  Everyone will receive a certificate of participation and a ribbon.

2) Each participant will now receive written feedback from the judges.

3) Best of Show first, second & third place will be awarded at each of the 3 community contests.  These winners will receive medallions.  A Judges Choice award will be presented at each contest as well. 

4) The top 2 winners at each community contest will be invited to a final contest at Mountain Heritage Day on the campus of Western Carolina University.  In the past this was just a showcase of winners.

5) Prize money will be awarded at Mountain Heritage Day – 1^st Place: $100, 2^nd Place: $75, 3^rd Place: $50, 4^th – 6^th Place: $25

6) Individual performers older than 8 cannot be accompanied in the Individual Category. Accompaniment makes it is difficult to judge the individual.  Two or more people will now be considered a group.  (Those 8 and younger may benefit from having support on stage thus they will be allowed accompaniment)

The Contests will continue to be run as a collaborative effort of Jackson County 4-H and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia.

Questions about entry process:  Kerri Rayburn, administrative assistant, at 828-586-4009 or kerri_rayburn@ncsu.edu. 

Questions about Contests, music, and general:  Heather Gordon, 4-H Agent & Contest Coordinator, at 828-586-4009 or heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.