from yaprap June-July 2011
by Isabel Seidel
yaprap Feature Writer
The annual Northern Composure band competition is now in its 10th year. It’s become something of an institution to the local young people living on Sydney’s northern beaches. From its humble beginnings at Warringah Council’s local youth centre, YOYOs (You're Only Young Once), the band competition has now become one of the Council’s most popular youth events. The aim is to showcase local young bands and to give them valuable exposure as well as experience in playing to a live crowd, as well as giving local youth a place to see live music in a safe environment. The competition also hopes to encourage the development of young people's musical careers.
Justin Burke, Youth Development Officer from Warringah Council’s Youth Services section, coordinates the event with support from the Council’s Youth Advisory Committee. Young people are also involved in documenting the event for promotional purposes. The Council selects a team of film makers, event photographers and a gig reviewer each year. The competition is held during February and March in the lead up to National Youth Week.
The name Northern Composure comes from a former project which saw the release of a compilation CD of local northern beaches bands in 1998. The first Northern Composure Band Competition was held in 2002. The idea came about because of the lack of opportunities for young people to perform locally. Finally, after repeated recommendations from Council’s annual youth forum for more youth entertainment at night, the Northern Composure Band Competition became a reality. It was very successful with a second compilation CD released in 2003. In keeping up with the times, last year a CD was released on iTunes. This has resulted in all artists on the CDs keeping a percentage of sales. The artist with the most downloads on iTunes over a 2 month period receives a song release through Universal Music.
The outcomes from the 10 year history of the Northern Composure band competition include:
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the opportunity for young people to listen to bands in a safe, affordable and alcohol free venue
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the ability of young people to showcase original music to family and friends
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young people receiving valuable advice and support from music professionals. Previous winners have gained some recording time through Sony BMG and exposure through television and radio
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Ongoing support of local businesses and the Council. This year sponsorship has hit a ten year high with local businesses coming on board to the tune of $37,163 in product and advertising.
So, if young people in your area are looking for more entertainment at night, then I think it’s worth giving a band competition a go. With such positive outcomes for young people it appears to be a great form of entertainment. Youth workers can get in touch with Music NSW’s Indent program for further advice and support, or call Warringah Council Youth Services to have a chat about how to get a band competition up and running.
More information
Northern Composure
- Youth Development Officer, Warringah Council
- (02) 9942 2680
- youth@warringah.nsw.gov.au
- www.warringah.nsw.gov.au
Indent