Bands of the future

Attention all band members: application forms are now available for the annual Teenage Band Competition hosted by the Warehouse Teenage Club and sponsored by the Parsons Music.

The competition is divided into two categories: 'open' (at least one band member must be aged 25 or above) and student (all members under 25).

Warehouse has held the Teenage Band Competition every year since 1997.

'The competition provides a platform for amateur bands to express their creativity and passion for music. We give them a way to express themselves in a safe and respectful way, and encourage players to enjoy their music and each others,' said Ivan Tam, Program Development and Support Services Manager at the Warehouse.

Many of the bands which have participated in the competition before, such as Tatfip, Tears, Daze, Infinity, The Dumb Melon Quartet and System Map, are now well known on the local music scene.

One band, Empty Tomb, had only been together a few months when they reached the final eight in last year's competition. They will release an album later this year.

'The competition was cool. It gave us a chance to share our music, meet new bands and discover what we need to do to improve,' said Jimmy Fong, the Empty Tomb drummer.

As well as publicity, the prizes are a major draw.

The champion of the Open and Student category will win HK$2500 Parsons Music cash coupon plus HK$3500 cash, and HK$1500 cash coupon plus HK$1500 cash respectively.

'The competition is a good opportunity for your band to show the public what you can do,' said Tam.

There will be a two-day preliminary on October 8 and 9 at Parsons' Music store in Whampoa, and the final will be held on October 26 in the Sheung Wan Civic Centre with an audience of about 400.

As newcomers may be nervous about performing in front of such a large crowd, Tam had some helpful hints.

'Relax and be natural. Try not to think about the judges or the audience,' he said.

'Treat the event as an arena for music cultivation and sharing. The prize is not the ultimate goal - sharing with others is the key. Play from your heart!'

Last but not least: 'Spend time practising and feeling the rhythm. Practice makes perfect!'

Application forms can be obtained from all Parsons Music outlets or the Warehouse Teenage Club in Aberdeen. They can also be downloaded from www.parsonsmusic.com or www.warehouse.org.hk

The deadline for entries is September 21. Call 2873-2244 for more information.