Classical Musicians Ages 8-18 Invited to Audition for NPR’s Popular Show, ‘From the Top’

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – May 31, 2012 – Colorado Public Radio (CPR) and The Colorado Symphony invite classical musicians ages 8-18 to audition for National Public Radio’s (NPR) hit show, “From the Top.”

“From the Top” with host Christopher O’Riley is a popular NPR radio program showcasing America’s best young classical musicians. It can be heard on CPR’s statewide network of classical music stations on Sundays at 6 p.m. and on more than 200 other stations nationwide.

CPR hopes to highlight the young talent in Colorado by encouraging local student musicians to audition for the show. Classical musicians, including instrumentalists, vocalists, composers and ensembles who are not yet enrolled full-time in a college or conservatory are invited to audition.

Students who audition may be featured with The Colorado Symphony during a concert broadcast recording of “From the Top” live from Boettcher Concert Hall on Jan. 12, 2013. Applicants also have the opportunity to be included on future “From the Top” programs recorded around the country.

“From the Top’s” variety show format features serious musical performances and lively interviews with some of the country’s best pre-collegiate performers. This unique blend of music, talk and humor draws nearly 700,000 loyal listeners each week. After every live concert recording, performers are invited to share their music, experiences and related passions with their peers.

Of the more than 100 musicians chosen to appear on the radio program every year, approximately 20 will receive Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Awards in support of furthering their musical education. Scholarships up to $10,000 are given to deserving young classical musicians between the ages of 8-18 who have high levels of artistic achievement, demonstrated financial need and a solid academic record.

Qualified students can apply at www.fromthetop.org. Applications and recorded auditions are accepted continuously and on a rolling admissions basis.

ABOUT FROM THE TOP
For the past decade, From the Top has been the preeminent showcase for America’s best young musicians. Through award-winning NPR and PBS programs, online media, a national tour of live events, and education programs, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians with millions each week. Each program provides a compelling and entertaining window into the world of a diverse group of young people, who pursue life with passion, determination, and joy. From the Top’s 2011-12 National Tour is sponsored by U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management.

From the Top’s training and mentorship programs prepare young musicians to connect with new audiences, serve as positive peer role models, and give back to their communities in many ways.

Learn more at www.fromthetop.org.

The Colorado Sound – V4 EP20 2012

The Epilogues came screaming to the party this week with what I can say honestly is the BEST NEW VIDEO in 2012 (so far).  I’ve been playing the single itself for many months now, but the new album won’t be out til later this summer.  I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.  No doubt it’ll be one of the best rock records of the year from Colorado.

(D) = album debut on show  (N) = song debut on show

Eddie Turner “Ride A Painted Pony” from Miracles And Demons (2010)
Mama Lenny and the Remedy “Bossy (Bitch On A Cell)” from Punches & Hugs (2012)
(N) Mosey West “The Storm” from Merica (2012)
Railbenders “Someone Take This Bottle” from Segundo (2003)
Turn 4 “Sante Fe Breakdown” from What You Do About It (2011)
(D) Xiren “Not A Love Song” from Not A Love Song (2012)
The Czars “Killjoy” from Ugly People vs. the Beautiful People (2001)
Instant Empire “Without Wires” from Instant Empire (2011)
Danielle Ate the Sandwich “Faith In a Man” from Like A King (2012)
Haunted Windchimes “Out With the Crow” from Out With The Crow (2012)
The Lovely & Talented “Death of the Lover” from The New American Fable (2010)
(D) Arliss Nancy “Front Seat” from Simple Machines (2012)
(D) Shirley “4th of July” from From A Bright Clearing (2012)

Rick Roberts “Sweet Maria” from Windmills / She is a Song (2010/1973/1972)
(D) 3 Twins Broadband “How Couldya Not?” [single] (2012)

(N) Leftover Salmon “Here Comes The Night” from Aquatic Hitchhiker (2012)
Liz Barnez “River Road” from Liz Barnez Band (1993)
(N) Harry Tuft & Friends “If I Didn’t Care” from Treasures Untold (2011)
Rob Drabkin “For You I Would Die” from Rob Drabkin Live {1-19-12 Bluebird Theater} (2012)
The Apples in Stereo “Told You Once” from Travellers in Space and Time (2010)
Varlet “Eastern” from The Drifter (2012)
Born in The Flood “If This Thing Should Spill” from If this Thing Should Spill (2007)
(N) Bad Weather California “I Feel Like Dancing” from Sunkissed (2012)
Gary Bragg “She Canceled the Cable” from High Plains Storm (2011)
Lonesome Traveler “Do I Ever Cross You Mind?” from Listen to that Sound (2008)
(D) Raincheck “Right There” from Raincheck (2012)

Musicians – are you an Independent Contractor or an Employee?

FYI to musicians (from Chris Daniels). Please pass this long…

“In case any of you have not been included in the emails going around, there is a problem and concern that musicians in Colorado are facing concerning the Department of Labor and how they classify band members, bandleaders, and event companies. There are no villains here, just a very important discussion that effects the livelihood of every working musician and every bandleader and every event company that hires artists to play their gigs. In simple terms, the question is: are you an independent contractor, free to work for whom ever you want, or are you an employee? The DOL’s policy, that goes back to the 1990s, is to classify any musician who makes more than 50% of their income from one band (or event company) as an employee of that company.

This is a long discussion but in short, if you are a band and you make all your money from performing with that specific band ..DOL wants to require you (and your company) to do withholding, unemployment, and matching payments…and many musicians do not see themselves that way … as employees … but as independent contractors. The difference between the two in dollars and cents, accounts fees, and money withheld is huge for the musician, the event company, the bandleader etc. So this is the issue. If you know nothing about it, I encourage you to read the ‘common law rules’ about who is and who is not an independent contractor. The current policy of the DOL is causing many bandleaders and event companies to consider ending their business because they simply cannot afford to follow DOL’s policy that is basically … if you make more than 50% of your living from one organization you are employee/employer not independent contractors. The results of not following that can be a $25,000 fine for each noncompliance.

For more information, check with Barb at the Colorado Music Business Association, there are some very important hearings coming up on this issue.”

Chris Daniels
Assistant Professor
University of Colorado, Denver