St. Louis Ocarina Store Uses YouTube To Hold International Ocarina Competition : Store encourages ocarina enthusiasts from around the world to submit videos showcasing their talents – the winner will receive a cash prize as well as the opportunity to share their music

Since opening their doors in 2005, the St. Louis Ocarina Store has been creating a resurgence of interest in the whimsical hand-held wind instrument. Now, using YouTube as a medium, the store hopes to spark even more interest in the ocarina by holding an online star search, American Idol style, that will showcase the talents of the best ocarina players and demonstrate to casual ocarina players the potential of their instruments.

ST. LOUIS (Business Wire EON) November 17, 2008 -- "We want to see what our customers can do with their ocarinas – people of all ages, from all across the world, with all types of ocarinas," said Dr. Dennis Yeh, one of the competition's organizers. "YouTube makes it possible for anyone to participate in our star search without having to worry about travel, expenses, or accommodations. Just as the ocarina is an instrument that anyone can afford to buy and learn to play, this competition is easy for anyone to enter and participate in."

To enter the competition, players must record two songs on video: the classic Irish song Raglan Road as well as a song of their own choosing. Those interested can then fill out an online application and upload their video to the STL Ocarina International Star Search Competition YouTube group. Alternatively, musicians can enter by printing out the application form and mailing in a hard copy of their two performances.

"We are very excited watch the incoming videos," said Yeh. "We are eager to see our store's ocarinas in use, to hear the range and diversity of the songs chosen, and to show others the beauty, creativity, and sound quality that is possible on the instrument that we love."

The entries will be judged solely on musical content. The top three players will receive cash prizes as well as a triple octave purple clay ocarina. The winner of the competition will be invited to St. Louis for a performance and professional recording opportunity. Entries will be accepted until February 28, 2009, and the winners will be announced on the following Saturday, March 7.

To learn more about the competition, including more details on how to enter, performance tips, and updates, please visit the St. Louis Ocarina blog at http://blog.stlocarina.com. This website also includes the sheet music for Raglan Road as well as the complete rules, terms, and conditions of the star search.

To visit the St. Louis Ocarina on YouTube channel, which is updated weekly, please go to http://www.youtube.com/STLOcarina. To visit the STL Ocarina International Star Search Competition YouTube group, please go to http://www.youtube.com/group/stlocarinastarsearch.

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