SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS
DISTRICT-WIDE TALENT SEARCH SUBMISSION
Jus' Blues Music Foundation recognizes the many diverse and wonderful musical impacts the Blues has had on the contemporary music scene, particular in the development of Hip Hop. Performances and musical presentations of Hip Hop, R&B and Soul are very connected to the Blues. It is sampled and used by many of the Hip Hop artists today. So, as we join Shelby County Schools in this talent search we will be looking for the best of the best Shelby County Schools students who will be completing for the top spot in each grade level.
There will be six category levels in this search for High School students. You can upload a video below to enter the search. We will have professional musicians judge all of the submissions, we will then select 10 group from each school. They will be entered into the finals. Please follow instructions below on how to enter talent search.
There will be six category levels in this search for High School students. You can upload a video below to enter the search. We will have professional musicians judge all of the submissions, we will then select 10 group from each school. They will be entered into the finals. Please follow instructions below on how to enter talent search.
First Category level will last 3 weeks
Second Category Level will last 3 Weeks
Finalist will be contacted by their respective school music department for time and place to have final competition.
Second Category Level will last 3 Weeks
Finalist will be contacted by their respective school music department for time and place to have final competition.
Submit your group's photo and video performance below to enter the Shelby County Schools Talent Search. If you are selected in this Talent Search challenge, you will go to the finals. Once you are selected to go to the finals you will have the opportunity to be mentored by a professional performing artist and perform on the big stage in the Canon Center downtown Memphis, Tennessee. If you win first prize you will make a studio recording.
Date of show to be announced.
Submissions ends March 13, 2020 at midnight.
Date of show to be announced.
Submissions ends March 13, 2020 at midnight.
SUBMISSION QUALIFICATIONS
Only students in good standing within the Shelby County School system may apply
Only students in good standing within the Shelby County School system may apply
Prizes
TBA
JUDGES
Domonique Mitchell
Domonique Mitchell possesses more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Mr Mitchell has been an instructor for his entertainment music bootcamp for over 10 years. Domonique’s bootcamp is all about music artists being mentally and physically fit for success in the music industry. NSYNC, TLC, DRU HILL, BOYZ II MEN, 112, ESCAPE, KEITH SWEAT, GERALD LEVERT, NEW EDITION and hundreds more.
Domonique Mitchell possesses more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Mr Mitchell has been an instructor for his entertainment music bootcamp for over 10 years. Domonique’s bootcamp is all about music artists being mentally and physically fit for success in the music industry. NSYNC, TLC, DRU HILL, BOYZ II MEN, 112, ESCAPE, KEITH SWEAT, GERALD LEVERT, NEW EDITION and hundreds more.
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KEISHA JACKSON - SINGER, SONGWRITER Born the daughter of sassy legendary soulstress Millie Jackson, Keisha began singing professionally at age 15 as a background vocalist for her mother. She later went on to record 2 albums with Sony Records. In the background She began her vocal coaching agency, One Voice Entertainment in 2001. Keisha has contributed vocals on recordings with iconic artists like Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Josh Stone and others. She has also toured with the likes of Outkast, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone and Raphael Saadiq. A certified life coach...and a well-respected industry vocal coach continues to mentor aspiring vocalists in Atlanta and across the globe. |
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EUGENE "HIDEAWAY" BRIDGES, born in 1963 in New Orleans and raised in Amite, Louisiana, the son of Otheneil Bridges Sr, also known as blues guitarist Hideaway Slim, Eugene is the fourth child of five. His mother was from the Bullock family (the same as Anna Mae Bullock better known as Tina Turner) and Eugene claims he got his guitar skills from the Bridges side and his voice from the Bullocks. At five he was already playing with his father around Louisiana; with his brothers as The Bridges Brothers he sang gospel and was the musician of his church touring with the Pastor, Elder AA Edwards. At thirteen Eugene was entering R&B talent shows and had formed his first R&B band The Five Stars. |
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Gaye Adegbalola
Blues Music Award winner (formerly called the W. C. Handy Award) and a founding member of Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women (1984-2009), plays guitar, harmonica and is a composer. She has recorded 10 CDs on Alligator Records and has toured widely throughout the U.S. and internationally. A former Virginia State Teacher of the Year, Gaye is also in demand for workshops, lectures and motivational public speaking. |
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Damion Kereem Pearson, aka ‘Yella P’
A multifaceted artist from Memphis creating a sound rooted in the Delta blues with shades of soul, gospel, and hip-hop. Mostly self-taught, Damion began playing harmonica at age 13, saving up his lunch money for a month to purchase the instrument. Adding to his arsenal, Damion later learned to play the guitar, saxophone, trombone, and piano. He got his start on Beale Street playing with ‘Big’ Jerry Parnell. Damion Kereem Pearson, aka ‘Yella P is a current Black Traditional Music Practitioner! He also is an educator for the Shelby County School System.
A multifaceted artist from Memphis creating a sound rooted in the Delta blues with shades of soul, gospel, and hip-hop. Mostly self-taught, Damion began playing harmonica at age 13, saving up his lunch money for a month to purchase the instrument. Adding to his arsenal, Damion later learned to play the guitar, saxophone, trombone, and piano. He got his start on Beale Street playing with ‘Big’ Jerry Parnell. Damion Kereem Pearson, aka ‘Yella P is a current Black Traditional Music Practitioner! He also is an educator for the Shelby County School System.
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Toni Green. Toni Green was born in Memphis and began her career as a background singer with both Isaac Hayes, Luther Ingram, Millie Jackson, The Bar-Kays, Dennis Edwards and others. Toni began her solo singing career in 1970 at the infamous Hi-Records with Imported Moods. She recorded her first solo record Mixed Emotions in 1998 with legendary producer Willie Mitchell. Toni has also had the honor of opening for such acts as Carlos Santana, Dionne Warwick and Solomon Burke. She most recently returned from living part time in Paris, France and recently released another long awaited recording with R&B Group Malted Milk, entitled Milk & Green |
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CARLETT MARTIN, born and raised in Mobile, AL, Carlett is a graduate of Alabama State University (ASU). She’s been in the music industry since the early ‘90s. In 1994, Carlett was signed to Mercury Records as part of a girl group, Female. Her real strength came though, through writing songs for various other music artists She’s also written music for television and film, as well as working as a vocal coach. Artists who have experienced her skills set include Shaq, Paula Abdul, KRS-1, Usher, Kid Rock, Christina Aguilera, David Archuleta, Hilary and Haley Duff, and many others |
JUDGING CRITERIA
Judging Criteria: 100 Possible Points
Musical Ability:
Poor/average/good/excellent technical command of the instrument
Does the audience hold its breath, not worry, or is it enthralled with the performer’s technical ability?
Musical Sound:
Jarring/Uninspired/Pleasant/Dreamy sound
Little variation in tempo and volume demonstrated/ Some nuance in tempo and volume/Very nuanced
Are you inspired to hear less or more from this musician?
Stage Presence, including introduction, performance, and stage departure
Makes no audience contact/Dutiful presence/ Confident command
Rattled by mistakes/Maintains poise even during a mistake
Does a “performer personality” come through, even if musicianship does not?
Musical Selection:
Piece obviously too easy or too difficult/Piece consistent with performer’s abilities
Too many mistakes or sloppiness/Appropriate demonstration of abilities
In choice of piece, does the performer appropriately showcase his/her musical experience? o 20 point
maximum
Musical Empathy
Technical performance only/Moderate indication of a connection with music/Obvious connection
between performer and music
Does the performer “get into” the piece, and thereby connect with the audience?
Musical Ability:
Poor/average/good/excellent technical command of the instrument
Does the audience hold its breath, not worry, or is it enthralled with the performer’s technical ability?
Musical Sound:
Jarring/Uninspired/Pleasant/Dreamy sound
Little variation in tempo and volume demonstrated/ Some nuance in tempo and volume/Very nuanced
Are you inspired to hear less or more from this musician?
Stage Presence, including introduction, performance, and stage departure
Makes no audience contact/Dutiful presence/ Confident command
Rattled by mistakes/Maintains poise even during a mistake
Does a “performer personality” come through, even if musicianship does not?
Musical Selection:
Piece obviously too easy or too difficult/Piece consistent with performer’s abilities
Too many mistakes or sloppiness/Appropriate demonstration of abilities
In choice of piece, does the performer appropriately showcase his/her musical experience? o 20 point
maximum
Musical Empathy
Technical performance only/Moderate indication of a connection with music/Obvious connection
between performer and music
Does the performer “get into” the piece, and thereby connect with the audience?
GENERAL RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND CONVENANT NOT TO SUE
In consideration of allowing my child to participate or perform in live or online activities or promotions (“Participation”) for the Jus' Blues Music Foundation Blues-Got-A-Soul and Shelby County Schools TALENT SEARCH and for goods and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge, I, and anyone acting on my behalf, and as the parent and legal guardian, of the undersigned child, including without limitation, attorneys, representatives, agents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, insurers, predecessors, successors or any other person or entity asserting claims through me, agree to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless
JUS’ BLUES MUSIC FOUNDATION, the SHELBY COUNTRY SCHOOL SYSTEM, and all of their respective directors, officers, shareholders, subsidiaries, partners, agents, employees, successors, parents, heirs, executors, administrators and affiliates thereof (collectively, the “Releases”), from and against any and all claims, suits, losses, damages, expenses, costs, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) which hereinafter may accrue or arise against the Releases and which in any way arise out of or are in any way related to (a) my Participation and (b) the use of my name, photograph, quotation, and likeness in any advertising or promotions which relate to my Participation.
I understand the danger of personal injury or death that may result from my child’s Participation, including but not limited to falling or tripping. I assume any and all risk that is in any way associated with, related to or occurs as a result of my child's Participation.
I hereby give Releases, or any one of them permission to use my child’s name, photograph, quotations and likeness in any advertisements or promotions in connection with their Participation, and agree that we shall not be entitled to any compensation for such use.
With respect to my child’s Participation, I agree to follow all applicable laws and all rules, policies, instructions or other directives issued by the JUS’ BLUES MUSIC FOUNDATION and the SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM.
I have read this general release and waiver of claims and covenant not to sue carefully and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is an agreement not to sue the Releases and constitutes a complete release of liability by me and anyone acting on my behalf in favor of the Releases. I acknowledge that I am signing this document of my own free will, with full knowledge of the risks that I am assuming.
In consideration of allowing my child to participate or perform in live or online activities or promotions (“Participation”) for the Jus' Blues Music Foundation Blues-Got-A-Soul and Shelby County Schools TALENT SEARCH and for goods and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge, I, and anyone acting on my behalf, and as the parent and legal guardian, of the undersigned child, including without limitation, attorneys, representatives, agents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, insurers, predecessors, successors or any other person or entity asserting claims through me, agree to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless
JUS’ BLUES MUSIC FOUNDATION, the SHELBY COUNTRY SCHOOL SYSTEM, and all of their respective directors, officers, shareholders, subsidiaries, partners, agents, employees, successors, parents, heirs, executors, administrators and affiliates thereof (collectively, the “Releases”), from and against any and all claims, suits, losses, damages, expenses, costs, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) which hereinafter may accrue or arise against the Releases and which in any way arise out of or are in any way related to (a) my Participation and (b) the use of my name, photograph, quotation, and likeness in any advertising or promotions which relate to my Participation.
I understand the danger of personal injury or death that may result from my child’s Participation, including but not limited to falling or tripping. I assume any and all risk that is in any way associated with, related to or occurs as a result of my child's Participation.
I hereby give Releases, or any one of them permission to use my child’s name, photograph, quotations and likeness in any advertisements or promotions in connection with their Participation, and agree that we shall not be entitled to any compensation for such use.
With respect to my child’s Participation, I agree to follow all applicable laws and all rules, policies, instructions or other directives issued by the JUS’ BLUES MUSIC FOUNDATION and the SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM.
I have read this general release and waiver of claims and covenant not to sue carefully and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is an agreement not to sue the Releases and constitutes a complete release of liability by me and anyone acting on my behalf in favor of the Releases. I acknowledge that I am signing this document of my own free will, with full knowledge of the risks that I am assuming.