Category: Misc.

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.

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

MUSICIANS UNITE TO HELP COLORADO’S HOMELESS

MUSICIANS UNITE TO HELP COLORADO’S HOMELESS

Local non-profit, Musicians In Action (M.I.A.), is hosting, in conjunction with CBID (Colfax Business Improvement District) and the Upper Colfax Root 40 Music Fest and Outdoor Stage and Canned Food Drive for the homeless on Saturday 4/28/2012 in the parking lot of THE GLBT Community Center at Colfax and Lafayette. This will be an all day Music Fest from 11a-8p with bands volunteering their talent.

BANDS playing the M.I.A. Stage: NEMESYS, The Pirate Signal, MF Ruckus, Hot Apostles, Synergy, The Hits, Gription and more

There is an influx of canned food donations around Thanksgiving time. Local organizations that assist our homeless are running very low and M.I.A. would like to step up to the plate and donate.

The Gathering Place http://www.tgpdenver.org/ will receive the donations from this event. The Gathering Place is Denver’s only daytime drop-in center for women and children who are experiencing homelessness and poverty and provide free meals every day.

The homeless community is making the news on a regular basis, especially as of late due to the controversy of the proposed city ordinance to prohibit “urban camping” which would cause the arrest of many, simply for not having a more suitable place to sleep.

WHO Is M.I.A.? Musicians In Action (aka M.I.A.) is a Denver based nonprofit that mobilizes musicians to perform, collaborate and volunteer to help aid Colorado’s homeless population. Our Board of Directors consists of musicians and individuals passionate about making a contribution to the Denver Music Scene, as well as those concerned about philanthropic efforts for our community. We are out to raise awareness and debunk widespread myths about the homeless.

We work well with musicians because they tend to understand the plight of the homeless – many musicians themselves are “couch surfers” – sacrificing the comforts of a 9-5 job so that they can hone their craft and create freely. For that, we are of course grateful. They know what it means to stretch a dollar. We do what we can to promote and raise the visibility of the bands we work with. Showing an interest in the community helps artists and bands gain exposure. If you look at bands like The Flobots and Rise Against, you can see that they have had a great deal of success in this arena.

WHAT WE DO: The primary duties of M.I.A. involve gathering food, clothing, toiletries, diapers, linens and other needed items that are distributed to organizations in need.

You will see M.I.A. at shows across genres, working alongside artists to host “drives” for these items, as well as basic fundraising.

You will see M.I.A. volunteering at places like Senior Support Services, Urban Peak, The Empowerment Program, Joshua Station, The Gathering Place & The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless every month.

You will see M.I.A. at local high profile music events, promoting bands and raising awareness regarding the homeless.

BANDS playing the M.I.A. Stage: NEMESYS, The Pirate Signal, MF Ruckus, Hot Apostles, Synergy, The Hits, Gription and more

VITAMIN WATER will be Sponsoring and hydrating this event.

We will also have Live Artists performing and various other activities.

INFO ABOUT THE Events of the Week
http://colfaxave.com/events/upper-colfax-root-40-musicfest-2012
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1084535777#!/events/155391077922988/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Musicians-In-Action/308021513130