BIG SANDY IDOL REGIONAL COMPETITION SET FOR MARCH 11-12

The Big Sandy Idol Regional Competition will invade the Mountain Arts Center on March 11-12.

Presented by Gearheart Communications and Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Idol is celebrating its tenth year. Twenty-nine students from high schools in Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties will compete for a full scholarship, a spot in the Big Sandy Singers and Band, an album recording and other prizes.

Its been a remarkable year for music in our region,amp;rdquordquo; said Clayton Case, director of fine arts at BSCTC. We watched artists such as Chris Stapleton burst on to the scene, and when things like that happen, it brings attention to amazing talent we have walking the halls of our area schools.

Since its inception, the Big Sandy Idol program has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships and the program has allowed students the opportunity to be a part of the Big Sandy Singers and Band, an elite group of auditioned vocalists and musicians comprised of BSCTC students.

The scholarships have allowed students to be a part of a performing group, hone their skills and, more importantly, the opportunity to continue their education, said Case. Former Big Sandy Singers and Band member Haley Sullivan, the 2014 Big Sandy Idol winner, is a student at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. studying music.

All of this years participants will perform with a live band during the regional competition. Case said performing with a live band enhances the experience for participants.

Its an incredible feeling to be on stage with a live band, said Case. The band is comprised of members of the Big Sandy Singers and Band.

BSCTC President Dr. Devin Stephenson, a classically trained pianist, will join the Big Sandy Singers and Band on Friday, March 11.

amp;ldquldquo;In my 40 years of higher education, I have never seen anything of this magnitude being produced by a college, he said. This is a tremendous outlet to showcase the incredible talent we have across our region. Im thankful to be a part of it and look forward to performing with our students.

Tickets are $12 or $8 for groups of 10 or more. They can be purchased at the MAC ticket office, online at www.macarts.com or by calling 1-888-MAC-ARTS. All proceeds from the show benefit the colleges fine arts department and music outreach programs throughout the region.

For more information on Big Sandy Idol and the Big Sandy Singers and Band, contact Case at (606) 886-7388 or email ccase0005@kctcs.edu