This month marks the official launch of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s first National Scripture Songwriting Contest across Canada! Are you ready?
You may have heard that this contest is open to all ages and all Canadian citizens; yes, this is true! But if you, like many others, are still pondering the idea and have not yet taken the initiative to write a song, submit it, and get involved, perhaps hearing the list of prizes will be just the incentive you need to take that next step! And here it is, the list of what will be rewarded to the top three submissions:
Prizes include (but are not limited to)
First Place:
- 500 Dollars
- A special gift prize package provided by Chapel Music
- An interview on Rise Radio 1380 AM (heard by a potential 3.5 million listeners daily)
- A feature Music Spotlight article in the Messenger magazine.
- A feature spotlight on the front page of the contest website, with a stream of your winning song.
Second Place:
- $300
- A gift provided by Chapel Music
- A mention in the Music Spotlight article in the Messenger magazine.
- A feature on the contest website, with a stream of your second-place song
Third Place:
- $200
- A mention in the Music Spotlight article in the Messenger magazine
- A feature on the contest website, with a stream of your third-place song.
And what about the judges? Every good contest needs a list of reputable, knowledgeable and honest judges, and thatʼs exactly what weʼve put together! In no particular order here is a brief description of each person who will be listening, critiquing and choosing the top three entries.
Stan Jensen: Born in Alberta and now residing in Oshawa, Ont. Commucations director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (which he thoroughly enjoys). Musical instrument: percussion.
Favourite instrument: cello
Stan has been selling and promoting music within the church for decades. He began his work with the church at the Adventist Book Centre.
Evaldo Evicente: Originally hailing from Brazil, now living in Oshawa, Ont. The head of Donor Relations and the Music Department at It Is Written Canada. Musical instrument: piano and voice. Worked extensively with Adventist Christian music in Brazil, recording, producing and marketing! Heʼs no stranger to the Christian arts.
Daniel Stojanovic: Born in former Yugoslavia, spent 21 years in France, three in Austria, five in the United States, and finally made his way to the loveliest country of all, Canada, in 2007.
The VP of Administration of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada.
Favourite Musical Instrument: violin.
Aside from seeing the world, his work has involved church administration, education, radio ministry, Bible research, evangelism, choir direction, and musicology.
Naomi Striemer: Born in New York, raised in Nova Scotia. Singer, songwriter, producer, author, speaker, radio host and writer of this column. Musical instrument: voice and piano. Worked with Carlos Santana and Randy Jackson, but the highlight was making the choice to leave it behind to pursue Christian music ministry full- time.
Now that you know who we are, we want to know who you are! Say a prayer, open the Word of God and let the words and melody begin to flow. I encourage first-time songwriters to go forward boldly and remember, the main purpose of this Scripture songwriting contest is to praise God and find a more intimate connection with Him. For He is the great author of song and music, and He has given us the very ability to use it to His glory to worship and honour Him.
For more information, please visit www.scripturesongs.ca to see the full list of rules, regulations, and details for uploading your submission.
Contributed by: Naomi Striemer. www.naomistriemermusic.com and www.naomiradio.com.