| All rights reserved. |
| S.A.S.S. Canada |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| The June 11, 2011 SASS Gala and Song Contest Finals |
| | | | | |
Congratulations to Devontée Grubb, a.k.a. "D-Bonez" on winning TOP HONOURS with his song "Motivation". Second place - Tom Helliwell and Viva Mars, "Fooled But Not Foolish" Third place - Matt Anness, "Song For Biggie" Fourth place -Devonté Morant,"Don't Worry" Fifth Place- HeSaid, SheSaid, "Dancing With The Devil" Colonel Farewell P.S.'s SASS Club won a Hagstrom guitar for their group song "Brothers & Sisters" Other top-ten performers, in alphabetical order only, were: Nayely Acevedo-Salazar, Hayden Gibson, Maddie Kelly, Michael Lueth and Sharon Nutzati. PRIZES: A top cash prize of $1,000, courtesy of long-time SASS supporter, Leland Industries, was presented to D-Bonez. Free studio recordings were offered to the top three winners by Dale Russell / Trail Mix Studios, Patrick Dune / Dune Tunes Studios and Patrick Stephenson / Action House Studios. Top-ranking contestants also won Roland personal recording equipment, Sennheiser wireless microphones, Levy's Leathers guitar straps and other prizes from Hagstom, Hartke, and KORG. The 2011 roster of SASS song contest judges included professional songwriters, career musicians, producers, music industry representatives, SASS teachers, and members of the SASS Youth Executive: Jazmine Bouwmeester, Artemis Chartier, Ashleigh Johnston, Peter Lafferty, Rob Laidlaw, Steven Lawrence, Linda M, Dave Maclean, Mark Magee, Jim Parker, Joe Ress, Josh Raycroft, Michael Perlmutter, Dale Russell, Heather Sullivan, and Ilse Themen. This year, we received approximately 60 entries, via CD, mp3 or WAV files. For each contest, first- and second-round judges score the verses, choruses, melody, groove, arrangement, and other elements of song structure out of 50 marks. Students this season worked with an open theme. In 2010-11, you/ your son/daughter enjoyed up to 40 free weekly songwriting club meetings, up to 5 free, professional mentor workshops,up to 2 free trips to Massey Hall, a free fall songwriting camp,and was invited to participate in our 15 free annual recitals. We hope that you and your young writer have enjoyed the 2010 -2011 SASS season. The following other remarkable SASS artists are also to be congratulated for lighting up the Gala stage: Adebiyi, Iyanvoluwa Adebiyi, Rachel Baboulas, College Hill P.S., Dr. Cannon P.S. Holly Einhorn and Tory Bedard, Daniel Hepditch, Samantha Kettles, Diana Lawryshyn, Lincoln Avenue P.S., Evan Moore, and Terry Fox P.S. |
| Note to SASS families: As photos come in from the Gala, we are building this page to honour your young stars. After viewing the photos, please let us know a) if you wish to have any photos changed b) if you would like to see your child's name under the photo. Enjoy! |
Jazmine B., K.Zeppieri, P. Laffery, D-Bonez, L. Jacula, D. Grubb Second-prize winners 'VIVA MARS'
Third-prize winner, Matt Anness The Kardiak Kids' farewell set on the Gala stage
Words from D-Bonez the day after winning first prize: My family is just as excited as I am, if not more; they're
really proud of me. My experiences in SASS are very memorable... I love going out to schools to promote SASS
and awareness of positivity to the kids. It's one of the best feelings, along side being on stage--that's my second
home, especially any SASS stage. I'm going to put the 1,000 dollars into my bank account and save it for funding
for music- related things... My family is a huge part of my success-- with their...support, dedication, and belief.
Anything's possible for me to do with my mother, father, grandma, and great-grandma behind me...Maybe one
day, they will all be able to see me perform on a stage in Los Angeles as I collect a Grammy but only time will
tell-- Who knows what my future holds? I just want to thank SASS, Mrs. Chartier, Dale Russell, all of the donors
for the event... Thank you, Devontée.
really proud of me. My experiences in SASS are very memorable... I love going out to schools to promote SASS
and awareness of positivity to the kids. It's one of the best feelings, along side being on stage--that's my second
home, especially any SASS stage. I'm going to put the 1,000 dollars into my bank account and save it for funding
for music- related things... My family is a huge part of my success-- with their...support, dedication, and belief.
Anything's possible for me to do with my mother, father, grandma, and great-grandma behind me...Maybe one
day, they will all be able to see me perform on a stage in Los Angeles as I collect a Grammy but only time will
tell-- Who knows what my future holds? I just want to thank SASS, Mrs. Chartier, Dale Russell, all of the donors
for the event... Thank you, Devontée.
Many thanks to the 2011 SASS Gala Stage Manager, Christelle Chartier, on a very successful event.