The Blair County Arts Foundation will hold its second annual Pop Songwriting Contest as part of the Blair County Arts Festival on May 15 and 16 on the Penn State Altoona campus.
Aspiring amateur songwriters must be at least 14 years old to enter and must reside in Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield or Huntingdon Counties. Each songwriter may enter one song belonging to any popular music genre and must include original lyrics and original music with a melodic line.
Songwriters can not receive income from songwriting royalties and must have never had a contract with a publishing company.
Songs can be no longer than four minutes and must be family-friendly. Songs may be performed by a maximum of two people. A piano and microphones will be provided, and performers may bring acoustic instruments or an electronic keyboard. No amps will be permitted.
Contestants will compete in two categories - youth and adult - at 6 p.m. May 6 at the Mishler Theatre in downtown Altoona. Finalists will perform on May 15 during the arts festival. The song must be performed at the festival by the same performers who presented it at the Mishler.
One winner in each category will be announced immediately following the performances at the arts festival and will receive a demo recording session at Data Music Services Recording Studios in Altoona.
Applications are now being accepted at the BCAF office at 1212 Twelfth Avenue in Altoona. There is a $15 application fee for each song entered in the contest. The contest entry deadline is April 23.
For an entry form and official rules, call the BCAF at 949-2787 or visit www.mishlertheatre.org.
