October 2015

Songwriter Judges Announced for 3rd Youth Composition and Songwriter Competition

Violettes by Becky holds an Annual Youth Compostition and Songwriter Competition for ages 10 thru 18. For details, see Violettes by Becky. Composition Judges were announced in the previous Violinist.com link, HERE.

Judges for Senior Songwriter Entries, ages 15 - 18:

Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer, and he’s from the South… the Southern Appalachian Mountains to hone it a bit finer. One could compare Michael's performances to his granddaddy's pocket knife: well warn and familiar feeling, but razor sharp and with a point.
Michael's recordings top the Americana Music Association charts year after year. His original songs and stories have been described as “Appalachian grit and wit” but, as his writing shows, Michael’s awareness is much broader than the bounds of his boyhood home or even the Southern Experience. Having toured throughout the British Isles and much of Europe, as well as most of the US, the songs he writes and the stories he creates reflect an insight into people’s experiences that catch the ear like an old friend's voice.
Michael's natural knack for storytelling, in print, song and spoken word has earned him praise from not only the music community but from the literary and storytelling worlds as well, having had the honor of being a Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival and to be Teller In Residence at the International Storytelling Center, as well as performing at major music events like MerleFest and the Walnut Valley Festival. Along with his performances, Michael often conducts workshops in songwriting and storytelling as well.
Michael's recordings have for years received and continue to garner awards in Country, Americana and Folk circles. His humor and wit, as well as the emotional depth of his work, keep his fan base growing and staying tuned in for whatever comes next. Don’t miss the chance to experience what those faithful fans keep returning again and again to enjoy.
Here are a couple of links to Mr. Harrell’s work: "Caroline" - This is a link to the “Caroline” Video.
"Southern Suggestions" - This is a link to the Video.
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*Christoph Bernewitz is one of Germany’s premier guitarist’s and songwriters. Although he is most known for his work with singer, Clueso, his own indie band, Fins: is already a sensation. This is a link to a Fin Video.
Born in 1983 in Weimar, in former East Germany, he comes from a musical family. His father is guitar professor at the conservatory and his mother plays violin with the Jena Philharmonic. Christoph began with classical cello at the age of 6. When he was 10 he fell in love with rock music and changed to guitar, learning from bands like Aerosmith, Mr. Big, and the Scorpion. He practiced constantly.
By the age of 15 he became active in the jazz scene in Weimar and also performed regularly with blues and rock groups. In 2002 he studied guitar at the Weimar Music Conservatory. In 2004 stardom came early and he interrupted his studies to write hits, perform on TV, and tour extensively with co-writer/singer, Clueso.
This link shows Clueso popularity. The band, Clueso, mainly plays in German language countries. Austria, Germany, Swiss. But the band has played in other countries, including China and Turkey, France.
Currently Mr. Bernewitz lives in Berlin and is writing and exploring new genres. He is also producing songs with film star, Matthias Schweigoefer, and singer Anna F. Pohlmann.
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Judges for Junior Songwriter Entries, ages 10 - 14:

Raymond Schwarzkopf: Music Judge, Coach, Director, Quartet Guy - Raymond is the consummate teacher. He always looks for the best in people and helps them discover ways to express and infuse themselves in their performance... whatever that performance may be... musical, educational, professional. He has an amazing blend of science and art, intellect and enthusiasm, logic and intuition that he uses to help people reveal their potential. Raymond Schwarzkopf is a sought-after coach, teacher and performer. His many years in theater, music (both vocal and instrumental) and teaching have made him a valuable asset for every group he has worked with. A Life-Member of the Barber Shop Society since 1979, he has performed with numerous quartets and earned International Medals with the New Tradition Chorus. A graduate of Northwestern University, a Certified Director and Certified Music Judge, Raymond works to enhance the skills of performers by giving them the tools they need to get in touch with their music... and reach their goals! Raymond travels the globe, working with performing groups of all sizes and ages. On the few days when he is not traveling, he spends his time teaching middle school, high school and college students.
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*Christopher Blenkinssop: Christopher was born in the Philippines to an English mother and German father, Blenkinsop led a nomadic existence throughout his childhood living in Cairo, Teheran, Singapore, Jakarta, before his family finally settled in then West Germany in the late 1970s, where he finished high school.
In Berlin Cristopher co-founded the 17 Hippies, one of the most prominent world music ensembles in Europe. He plays guitar, ukulele, and bouzouki. While writing songs, he has toured the United States, Mexico, and has performed at the prestigious WOMAD Festival in Australia and New Zealand. Along with gathering musical inspiration from music around the globe, the band sings in many languages and many styles. Blenkinssop has co-written many of the favorite songs of the group. He has also produced a number of CDs and music books for young people and is currently working on a solo album.
Link HERE for Video Interview with his band with English Subtitles.
Link HERE for Wonderful Interview with Christopher by “The Barefoot Review”
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* How are these Foreign Songwriters qualified to judge English songs?
ANSWER: English folk and pop are the trendsetters. Songwriters all over the world generally check out the masters. And many of them are from English speaking culture. Beatles, Dylon....

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