The Maine Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is holding its second annual Guitar Competition. This contest is open to Maine high school students.

Contestants are required to submit a video of their performance by Saturday, April 1, to be judged by the executive board of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, according to a news release from Maria Holloway, community outreach coordinator.

The grand prize is an acoustic guitar, to be presented to the winner at the 46th annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, an event scheduled for noon Sunday, May 21, at the Silver Spur at 272 Lewiston St. in Mechanic Falls.

Students will select and perform three pieces of country music on guitar, each in a different key.
• A song demonstrating technical skill;
• A ballad in 3/4 time; and
• A song of choice, demonstrating ability to solo on a melody.

Judges will be listening for:
• Level of skill: Technical ability, cleanliness of execution — ability to play in varying keys and meters; and
• Ability to play expressively: phrasing

When it is time to record:
• Videos must show the student performing, with face and hands visible. They must say the name and the title of the song before playing the song;
• Audio must be clearly heard, and tracks must be “raw’” (no effects, reverb, etc.)  Only one instrument per track (just guitar);
• Entries must be submitted on a thumb drive or DVD.  Include the completed entry form with recording;
• The winner will be notified via phone and email. The winner of the guitar will be a guest at the annual induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame and Museum.

Mail videos to: Maine Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, P.O. Box 62, Athens, ME 04912-0062.

For more information or to receive an application, contact Maria Holloway at [email protected] or 603-553-1973.

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