Spotlight to shine on high school musicians at June 8 Crawford County event
Mark and Kathleen Fiske of Sonic Spotlight Productions are calling on area musicians to participate in the latest event they are sponsoring.
The couple founded Sonic Spotlight Productions with the goal of helping young musicians obtain instruments and to encourage young people to participate in the field of music. They are on the lookout for high school musicians in grades nine-12 from across the region, performing in any style, to participate in the 2024 High School Sonic Spotlight.
“Eligibility for this event extends to high school-aged musicians in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia,” said Mark Fiske. “We are working hard to expose high school-aged musicians to the opportunities that come with playing their music live, that they can make some money doing it, and that without them, live music like we’re thinking of it now doesn’t have much of a future.”
Fiske said in the late fall of 2020 when he was working as a high school band director, he had forgotten students would be involved in any sort of school music group for any reasons other than time together with friends or because it was fun, but then he received a note.
“I am paraphrasing but it said, ‘Music has enabled my individuality. I am who I am because music allowed me to discover myself. I can't thank you enough for creating my home away from home. Music created my safe space and helped me grow as a person and as a musician.’ That is when I realized high school musicians are the looming future of live music, and it won’t make it without them,” he said.
Fans will be made, tickets will be sold
The 2024 High School Sonic Spotlight is a contest for high school musicians across the region, but it also offers a peek into the opportunities that exist in the industry of music.
“Fans will be made. Tickets will be sold. Money will be earned. Feedback will be offered. Awards will be presented,” Fiske said.
High school-aged performers from all musical styles are invited to register for the event.
“We’ve gotten some questions about whether we’d accept registrations of school “solo and ensemble” events. The answer is yes,” he added.
Fiske said any type or style of live musical act performed by eligible high school-aged performers is eligible for entry. This includes soloists, duets, quartets, ensembles and bands performing any type of music, including classical, rock, rap, school and more.
“There is a Crawford County venue where the event will be held on June 8, but out of consideration for them, we’re not announcing that yet until we have received all the registrations and know the event is on solid ground,” Fiske said.
Awards, how to register, more information
Awards for the contest are: Third place, $250; second place, $500; and first place, $1,000. Time is ticking since all entries must be submitted before 5 p.m. Friday.
A parent or guardian of each member of your act − soloist, band or ensemble − must submit a $25 registration fee during the entry period. Qualifying participants 18 years of age or older may submit their own registration. Registration, consent and payment must be submitted electronically at form.jotform.com/Sonic_Spotlight/2024-high-school-sonic-spotlight.
“If you have any questions before submitting your registration, please don’t hesitate to reach us via private message on Facebook, Instagram, or through the contact form,” Fiske said. “High school-aged musicians are the future of live music.”
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: High school musicians take center stage at Sonic Spotlight in June
