Ian White

Who will win the Battle of the Bands competition for teens, at the 2012 Hillsborough County Fair at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover? That determination will be made tonight, Oct. 20, after the last of the nine scheduled bands perform.

Three of the bands took to the stage Oct. 19: Rosco's Libido, NRG, and Nantucket Nectars.

The second day of Battle of the Bands competition kicks off 5 p.m. on the outdoor stage at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in the Greater Brandon community of Dover, off State Road 60 on Sydney Washer Road.

Joe Soletti, of the Hillborough parks department, said five judges with musical backgrounds rate the bands in five categories: guitars, drums, vocals, showmanship ("what you do in between songs, how you related to the crowd," he said) and originality.

First- second and third-place prizes will be awarded, at 9:15 p.m., Soletti said. All three winning bands will be awarded trophies. The top two bands will get studio time as well, with the Morrisound Recording studio in Temple Terrace.

"What we do, we're coaches," he said about the Hillsborugh County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department representatives working at the fair. With the annual Battle of the Bands competition, he added, "We want to reach out to that different teenager, who might not be involved in sports but is involved in music. They're kids and they get to perform in front of the public."

Any band that wants to perform gets to perform, Soletti said. Advance registration is required.

Emmy Fleeting's son, Chance, a student at the International Baccalaureate program at King High School, performed with his band, Rosco's Libido, which also includes band members Kyle Rose and Dane Constant. Rose attends King High School and Constant attends Wharton.

"Having things like this, the Battle of the Bands, gives them more immediate goals to work towards and to feel good about," Emmy Fleeting said.

Jane Kelly agreed. Her son, Richard Carr, performed with Ian White, in the band, Nantucket Nectars. The teens attend Tampa Catholic High School.

"I think it's fantastic," she said about the bands battle. "It's so close to home and it [showcases] homegrown [talent]. It's a safe environment for it."

White said his inspiration for forming a band came from his chidhood friend, Ted Jarzinski, who "had a lot of wisdom when it came to music."

Jarzinski moved out of state with his family and Carr, who knew White since kindergarten, stepped in to form a band and practice daily.

"Aside from it being in the family, music is always there," said Carr, who received his first full drum set two years ago. "If something doesn't work out, I always have science and music."

"It's the same for me," added White. "A lot of members of my family are musical and for me, music is like religion. Each note has a look and feel. It's not just sound, it's character." - AOL Patch

Who will win the Battle of the Bands competition for teens, at the 2012 Hillsborough County Fair at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover? That determination will be made tonight, Oct. 20, after the last of the nine scheduled bands perform.

Three of the bands took to the stage Oct. 19: Rosco's Libido, NRG, and Nantucket Nectars.

The second day of Battle of the Bands competition kicks off 5 p.m. on the outdoor stage at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in the Greater Brandon community of Dover, off State Road 60 on Sydney Washer Road.

Joe Soletti, of the Hillborough parks department, said five judges with musical backgrounds rate the bands in five categories: guitars, drums, vocals, showmanship ("what you do in between songs, how you related to the crowd," he said) and originality.

First- second and third-place prizes will be awarded, at 9:15 p.m., Soletti said. All three winning bands will be awarded trophies. The top two bands will get studio time as well, with the Morrisound Recording studio in Temple Terrace.

"What we do, we're coaches," he said about the Hillsborugh County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department representatives working at the fair. With the annual Battle of the Bands competition, he added, "We want to reach out to that different teenager, who might not be involved in sports but is involved in music. They're kids and they get to perform in front of the public."

Any band that wants to perform gets to perform, Soletti said. Advance registration is required.

Emmy Fleeting's son, Chance, a student at the International Baccalaureate program at King High School, performed with his band, Rosco's Libido, which also includes band members Kyle Rose and Dane Constant. Rose attends King High School and Constant attends Wharton.

"Having things like this, the Battle of the Bands, gives them more immediate goals to work towards and to feel good about," Emmy Fleeting said.

Jane Kelly agreed. Her son, Richard Carr, performed with Ian White, in the band, Nantucket Nectars. The teens attend Tampa Catholic High School.

"I think it's fantastic," she said about the bands battle. "It's so close to home and it [showcases] homegrown [talent]. It's a safe environment for it."

White said his inspiration for forming a band came from his chidhood friend, Ted Jarzinski, who "had a lot of wisdom when it came to music."

Jarzinski moved out of state with his family and Carr, who knew White since kindergarten, stepped in to form a band and practice daily.

"Aside from it being in the family, music is always there," said Carr, who received his first full drum set two years ago. "If something doesn't work out, I always have science and music."

"It's the same for me," added White. "A lot of members of my family are musical and for me, music is like religion. Each note has a look and feel. It's not just sound, it's character." - AOL Patch

The raucous sound of electric guitars and drums permeated the Nativity Catholic Church Youth Center Saturday night as four local youth bands took the stage in the hopes of winning a chance to record at a professional recording studio.

The church hosted its first Battle of the Teen Bands April 14 in the church's youth center, an event organized by Durant High School student and musician Dylan Rusher, a member of Nativity Catholic Church's youth ministry.

"I really love music; it's my life," said Rusher. "And I thought this would be a good opportunity to reach out to other musicians and give them a chance to perform."

Rusher said he was pleased to attract four bands for the first-time effort.

"I wasn't sure how this would play out but I was really surprised with the quality of the music and the crowd that came to cheer them on," he said.

Youth minister Justin Lantz was all in favor of Rusher's plans, viewing it as an opportunity to reach out to teens from throughout the Brandon area.

The bands battled for a chance to record two songs at Room One Studios in Tampa.

Lantz, whose own band, Smashing Heresies, opened the show, said he was impressed with the quality of the music. However, the judges could only choose one band to be the winner, and gave that title to the Christian band, Arletta.

"They showed a lot of energy and had a message that was really powerful," said Lantz.

Also performing were Seize the Day and Four Deep, both made up of students from Durant High School, and the Great Moon Race, a duo from Tampa Catholic High School.

Singer Rob Wilson won the acoustic competition, receiving a chance to record one song at Room One Studios.

"I thought the event turned out great," said Rusher. "We plan to make this an annual thing." - AOL Patch

The raucous sound of electric guitars and drums permeated the Nativity Catholic Church Youth Center Saturday night as four local youth bands took the stage in the hopes of winning a chance to record at a professional recording studio.

The church hosted its first Battle of the Teen Bands April 14 in the church's youth center, an event organized by Durant High School student and musician Dylan Rusher, a member of Nativity Catholic Church's youth ministry.

"I really love music; it's my life," said Rusher. "And I thought this would be a good opportunity to reach out to other musicians and give them a chance to perform."

Rusher said he was pleased to attract four bands for the first-time effort.

"I wasn't sure how this would play out but I was really surprised with the quality of the music and the crowd that came to cheer them on," he said.

Youth minister Justin Lantz was all in favor of Rusher's plans, viewing it as an opportunity to reach out to teens from throughout the Brandon area.

The bands battled for a chance to record two songs at Room One Studios in Tampa.

Lantz, whose own band, Smashing Heresies, opened the show, said he was impressed with the quality of the music. However, the judges could only choose one band to be the winner, and gave that title to the Christian band, Arletta.

"They showed a lot of energy and had a message that was really powerful," said Lantz.

Also performing were Seize the Day and Four Deep, both made up of students from Durant High School, and the Great Moon Race, a duo from Tampa Catholic High School.

Singer Rob Wilson won the acoustic competition, receiving a chance to record one song at Room One Studios.

"I thought the event turned out great," said Rusher. "We plan to make this an annual thing." - AOL Patch

Noting that they showed talent way beyond their years, the judges at the 2012 Brandon Teen Idol contest said they couldn't help but be impressed by this year's lineup.
Ten contestants age 10 to 17 mounted the stage at the Brandon Elks Lodge Sept. 29 to perform a variety of songs for judges Heather Cazzola, Oliver Sprague and Rachel Cohen-Stewart in the hopes of being named this year's Brandon Teen Idol.
Like the television show, "American Idol," the judges, all musical theater veterans, provided the teens with a critique following their performances.
"I got chills," Cazzola told 11-year-old Makaira Fisk after her lively performance.
All three judges commented on the unique "raspy" quality of 13-year-old Morgan Krikke's voice as she sang a soulful rendition of Adele's "Someone Like You."
"Build on your voice," said Sprague. "That's key. It sets you apart."
The judges said they were especially pleased to see four boys compete in a contest typically dominated by all girls, giving credit to Gary Baker, Kyle Moore, Eric Newman and Ian White for both singing and playing the guitar.
"It's awesome to see gentlemen sing and pour out their feelings through music," said Cazzola.
When all 10 singers had performed, the judges agreed choosing winners in the 10-13-year-old age group and the 14-17-year-old group was no easy feat.
In the end, they named Kassidy Gavagan the winner in the junior division and Makaira Fisk the runner up.
Alanna Oreste claimed the title of Teen Idol in the senior division with Kaylee Konsulis named runner up.
Bayli Faber was the People's Choice winner.
All proceeds from the contest will go to the Brandon Family YMCA to provide camp scholarships for needy children.

- AOL Patch

Noting that they showed talent way beyond their years, the judges at the 2012 Brandon Teen Idol contest said they couldn't help but be impressed by this year's lineup.
Ten contestants age 10 to 17 mounted the stage at the Brandon Elks Lodge Sept. 29 to perform a variety of songs for judges Heather Cazzola, Oliver Sprague and Rachel Cohen-Stewart in the hopes of being named this year's Brandon Teen Idol.
Like the television show, "American Idol," the judges, all musical theater veterans, provided the teens with a critique following their performances.
"I got chills," Cazzola told 11-year-old Makaira Fisk after her lively performance.
All three judges commented on the unique "raspy" quality of 13-year-old Morgan Krikke's voice as she sang a soulful rendition of Adele's "Someone Like You."
"Build on your voice," said Sprague. "That's key. It sets you apart."
The judges said they were especially pleased to see four boys compete in a contest typically dominated by all girls, giving credit to Gary Baker, Kyle Moore, Eric Newman and Ian White for both singing and playing the guitar.
"It's awesome to see gentlemen sing and pour out their feelings through music," said Cazzola.
When all 10 singers had performed, the judges agreed choosing winners in the 10-13-year-old age group and the 14-17-year-old group was no easy feat.
In the end, they named Kassidy Gavagan the winner in the junior division and Makaira Fisk the runner up.
Alanna Oreste claimed the title of Teen Idol in the senior division with Kaylee Konsulis named runner up.
Bayli Faber was the People's Choice winner.
All proceeds from the contest will go to the Brandon Family YMCA to provide camp scholarships for needy children.

- AOL Patch

The clash of drums, the soul of the saxophone and the vibration of the guitar strings filled the University of South Florida School of Music classroom.
Five young musicians racked their brains trying to create a song for Bruce Springsteen.
The only problem? Not one was very familiar with his work. They each had their own music style, reflected in their wardrobe choices: the guitarist tapping his bright orange Vans and the pianist rocking sunglasses like the greats.
Now they had to adopt Springsteen's style, even though Springsteen may never hear the song.
The exercise was part of the unique seminars and workshops that make up the Grammy Museum's Music Revolution Project — a summer program that connects aspiring teen musicians with Grammy winners and music professionals.
Mentors have engaged students at Ruth Eckerd Hall and St. Petersburg College as well as USF during the past four weeks.
It concludes Thursday with a "Closing Night" performance by the students at Ruth Eckerd that's free and open to the public.
It's the program's second year and first in Tampa Bay after the pilot program launched in Kansas City, Mo. The plan is to introduce the program to a new city each year to find kids with Grammy artist potential.
"We had 370 kids try out and we could only take 27," said Bob Santelli, Grammy Museum founder and Music Revolution Project executive director. "It wasn't about who's the best, but the ability to think outside the box. They had that something to set them apart: music, vision and creative possibilities."
While some camps make musicians better at what they already know, Santelli said the project looks to put students in uncomfortable situations, playing unfamiliar genres.
Santelli achieves this by incorporating music history classes, guest speakers, group work and recording time in the studio into the monthlong program. His goal is to expose them to new ideas so their vision of music is more articulate.
The writing for a specific artist exercise illustrated the creative focus.
The students divided into groups of five with one of the guest artists assigned to each group. They then created a song that mimics particular artists such as Springsteen, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Maroon 5.
"I listened to Maroon 5 an hour ago for the first time," said saxophonist David Sharfstein, a 17-year-old from Tarpon Springs High.
A group hoping to emulate Swift divided into two, with one focusing on lyrics and the other on music.
"The main subject is first love," explained Natalie Yob, a Berkeley Preparatory School 17-year-old. "It's the concept of love and growing. We are in high school or graduating and we are all experiencing it in our own lives."
Raydar Ellis, the guest speaker for the week, sported a T-shirt decorated with a Snoop Dogg cartoon face and vintage Adidas striped sneakers as he assisted the Katy Perry group.
The students with Ellis debated how to transform their Red Hot Chili Pepper sound into Katy Perry, and a synthesizer seemed to be the answer.
Ellis, a Berklee College of Music graduate and professor, signed up to help after hearing some of the songs produced by teens at last year's project.
"I am impressed with their willingness to try new things, especially since they are at the age where self-consciousness is higher," Ellis said.
At the end of the day, the students all gathered in the large auditorium. In just under two hours, five groups that had never played together created chemistry while presenting their artist-inspired songs.
While their peers played, the others danced in their seats, especially Kayla Engberg, a 14-year-old from Paul R. Smith Middle School in Pasco County.
"Everyone here is really good," Engberg said. "We can just come in in the morning and start jamming. There aren't many places where you can find that."
Kevon Mayers, 17, a Lakewood High grad, shared the same enthusiasm. He played the saxophone in middle school, but picked up the guitar, piano and keyboard just two years ago and was talented enough to be chosen for the program.
"I want to become a better musician and learn different aspects to grow," said Mayers, who will attend Florida Atlantic University, majoring in computer science with a minor in music.
"I will use computer science to fund my music."
- Tampa Bay Times

The clash of drums, the soul of the saxophone and the vibration of the guitar strings filled the University of South Florida School of Music classroom.
Five young musicians racked their brains trying to create a song for Bruce Springsteen.
The only problem? Not one was very familiar with his work. They each had their own music style, reflected in their wardrobe choices: the guitarist tapping his bright orange Vans and the pianist rocking sunglasses like the greats.
Now they had to adopt Springsteen's style, even though Springsteen may never hear the song.
The exercise was part of the unique seminars and workshops that make up the Grammy Museum's Music Revolution Project — a summer program that connects aspiring teen musicians with Grammy winners and music professionals.
Mentors have engaged students at Ruth Eckerd Hall and St. Petersburg College as well as USF during the past four weeks.
It concludes Thursday with a "Closing Night" performance by the students at Ruth Eckerd that's free and open to the public.
It's the program's second year and first in Tampa Bay after the pilot program launched in Kansas City, Mo. The plan is to introduce the program to a new city each year to find kids with Grammy artist potential.
"We had 370 kids try out and we could only take 27," said Bob Santelli, Grammy Museum founder and Music Revolution Project executive director. "It wasn't about who's the best, but the ability to think outside the box. They had that something to set them apart: music, vision and creative possibilities."
While some camps make musicians better at what they already know, Santelli said the project looks to put students in uncomfortable situations, playing unfamiliar genres.
Santelli achieves this by incorporating music history classes, guest speakers, group work and recording time in the studio into the monthlong program. His goal is to expose them to new ideas so their vision of music is more articulate.
The writing for a specific artist exercise illustrated the creative focus.
The students divided into groups of five with one of the guest artists assigned to each group. They then created a song that mimics particular artists such as Springsteen, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Maroon 5.
"I listened to Maroon 5 an hour ago for the first time," said saxophonist David Sharfstein, a 17-year-old from Tarpon Springs High.
A group hoping to emulate Swift divided into two, with one focusing on lyrics and the other on music.
"The main subject is first love," explained Natalie Yob, a Berkeley Preparatory School 17-year-old. "It's the concept of love and growing. We are in high school or graduating and we are all experiencing it in our own lives."
Raydar Ellis, the guest speaker for the week, sported a T-shirt decorated with a Snoop Dogg cartoon face and vintage Adidas striped sneakers as he assisted the Katy Perry group.
The students with Ellis debated how to transform their Red Hot Chili Pepper sound into Katy Perry, and a synthesizer seemed to be the answer.
Ellis, a Berklee College of Music graduate and professor, signed up to help after hearing some of the songs produced by teens at last year's project.
"I am impressed with their willingness to try new things, especially since they are at the age where self-consciousness is higher," Ellis said.
At the end of the day, the students all gathered in the large auditorium. In just under two hours, five groups that had never played together created chemistry while presenting their artist-inspired songs.
While their peers played, the others danced in their seats, especially Kayla Engberg, a 14-year-old from Paul R. Smith Middle School in Pasco County.
"Everyone here is really good," Engberg said. "We can just come in in the morning and start jamming. There aren't many places where you can find that."
Kevon Mayers, 17, a Lakewood High grad, shared the same enthusiasm. He played the saxophone in middle school, but picked up the guitar, piano and keyboard just two years ago and was talented enough to be chosen for the program.
"I want to become a better musician and learn different aspects to grow," said Mayers, who will attend Florida Atlantic University, majoring in computer science with a minor in music.
"I will use computer science to fund my music."
- Tampa Bay Times

By Kathy L. Collins

Ian White and Alex Gonzalez, both residents of the greater Brandon area, recently received the distinguished honor of being accepted into the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project for young songwriters. This is the first time the project was brought to Tampa. White and Gonzalez were among the 27 out of 360 students accepted and were the only two from the greater Brandon area to be accepted into the project.

The project is a four week camp for young and aspiring songwriters and musicians which was held from July 22 to August 16. The project is personally directed by Bob Santelli, founder of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. He is also the author of biographies on Bruce Springsteen and Bono.

White, a senior at Tampa Catholic High School said of the experience, “For the first time in my life I was given a chance to work with other musicians in my age group who were as passionate about music as I am.”

Gonzalez, a student at St. Pete College said, “All in all it’s a great experience. You meet some great people who are nice contacts to have and come out with some new friends. If you have the chance to do this, take it!”

The project’s goal is to offer creative and gifted musicians the opportunity to engage in musical discourse and performance with other talented young people from their area.

White said, “During the first week, I was put into a group. We were given the task of writing a blues song which we did in about an hour. The next day, Grammy Award winning blues artists, Billy Branch, came to speak to us. He listened to the songs. He liked our song, “The Unforgiving Road,” so much that he asked me to send it to him. Later, Bob Santelli told me that was the first time that something like this had ever happened!”

The Music Revolution Project was first introduced in Kansas City last year. It was brought to Tampa with the help of Lisa Yob of the Yob Family Foundation. - Osprey Observer

By Kathy L. Collins

Ian White and Alex Gonzalez, both residents of the greater Brandon area, recently received the distinguished honor of being accepted into the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project for young songwriters. This is the first time the project was brought to Tampa. White and Gonzalez were among the 27 out of 360 students accepted and were the only two from the greater Brandon area to be accepted into the project.

The project is a four week camp for young and aspiring songwriters and musicians which was held from July 22 to August 16. The project is personally directed by Bob Santelli, founder of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. He is also the author of biographies on Bruce Springsteen and Bono.

White, a senior at Tampa Catholic High School said of the experience, “For the first time in my life I was given a chance to work with other musicians in my age group who were as passionate about music as I am.”

Gonzalez, a student at St. Pete College said, “All in all it’s a great experience. You meet some great people who are nice contacts to have and come out with some new friends. If you have the chance to do this, take it!”

The project’s goal is to offer creative and gifted musicians the opportunity to engage in musical discourse and performance with other talented young people from their area.

White said, “During the first week, I was put into a group. We were given the task of writing a blues song which we did in about an hour. The next day, Grammy Award winning blues artists, Billy Branch, came to speak to us. He listened to the songs. He liked our song, “The Unforgiving Road,” so much that he asked me to send it to him. Later, Bob Santelli told me that was the first time that something like this had ever happened!”

The Music Revolution Project was first introduced in Kansas City last year. It was brought to Tampa with the help of Lisa Yob of the Yob Family Foundation. - Osprey Observer