So you wanna be a star?
A new TV talent show sets out to find the best high-school band
SCHOOL-AGE MUSICIANS with an eye on the big time will soon get a chance to leap into the public eye with the launch of new TV talent contest “High School Band: Sa Jai Wai Fun”.
A collaborative project of Channel 3’s Family Digital 13 and Food Star, the new programme is designed to offer youngster from around the country the chance to show off their musical talents and perhaps become a leading band in the future.
“I came away from my visits to several schools amazed at the talent that’s out there,” says Songwoot Sawasdee, executive producer of the TV programme.
“The kids were incredibly professional but never had a chance to perform out of school because of a lack of financial support. We took the idea to Channel 3 and proposed that we provide a platform for young people with music in their hearts.
“Our programme is a kind of a national music contest, which makes it different from other shows,” the executive producer adds.
To qualify for the show, applicants must be students in Mathayom 1 to 6 and there must not be more than six members in any band. Selection rounds will be held in all four regions, kicking off in the Northeast at Central Plaza in Khon Kaen on March 14. The Central region auditions are being held at Central Plaza Chaeng Wattana on March 21 then head south to Central Plaza in Surat Thani on March 28. They wrap at Central Airport in Chiang Mai on April 18.
The 10 final bands will compete on TV and the winner will receive Bt100,000 and Bt50,000 from the public.
“My advice to the contestants is to be self-assured and to be yourself. Decide on your singing style then make us feel as excited as we would at a concert,” says Songwoot.
“I applied for this music contest because I love singing and want to gain experience on a bigger stage than the one at school. If I were to win, I’d use the money to buy us new musical instruments,” says Nathachaya “Naem” Lamlertla, a 14-year-old student at Princess Sirindhorn College in Nakhon Pathom and founder of the PSC Junior Band.
Siriporn “Tuck” Yooyod, Kaneearj “Art” Dandamrongsuk, singer with Vacation Band, Songwoot Sawasdee, instructor with Channel 3’s “Singing Kids” and Prachya “Ken” Meebamrung, drummer of Zeal, will serve as the commentators.
DESTINY AND DREAMS
n “High School Band: Sa Jai Wai Fun” will go out on Channel 3 Family Digital 13 every Saturday at 10am.
n The programme is slated to run for 13 weeks from May 9 to August 1.
n Find out more by calling (02) 530 9475 and (084) 037 2855 or visit to Facebook.com/highschoolband and Instagram: Highschool_band
n The closing date for applications is April 18.
