By David F. Rooney
Aza Deschamps has a sparkle in her beautiful ten-year-old eyes. And when she sings, she can light up a room with her smooth, rich voice full of texture and soul.
Her family and her singing teacher, Joanne Stacey, thinks she has what it takes to go on to a bright and musical future. In fact, Aza has already taken that first step by qualifying as one of the top 15 singers in the BC Valley Voices Vocal Competition being held in Abbottsford during the August long weekend.
While a panel of judges will make the final determination after a live performance on August 2, you can make a difference by voting for Aza during the competition’s online fan voting segment on August 1.
The Valley Voices Vocal Competition (VVVC) website says the contest is in its fifth year and is “dedicated to the development of young talent. The intent of this competition is to instill hope in those who may not otherwise experience the realization and possibility of living their worthwhile dreams.”
The grand prize includes a recording contract with Studio Downe Under, a complete artist development package from Darcy D Music Group, Sessions with world-famous voice coaches Dave Stroud (who works with Natasha Beddingfield, Cee Lo Green and Adam Lambert) and RAab Stevenson (who works with Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Kelly Rowland) and other opportunities. The runner-up receives a trophy and a two- hour consultation with Fair Wend Entertainment Services. The finalist in each category receives a Vocalize U prize package.
Those are the kind of prizes that can lead a young singer to future opportunities.
Aza and her mom, Sarah, clearly understand that.
“Aza is a really talented young girl and it’s good to see where she stands in a province-wide competition,” her mother said.
For as long as she can remember, music has been part of Aza’s life. She began playing the piano at the age of seven, started composing her own songs and recently, she began playing the guitar. At a school talent show last year, Aza wowed her classmates by singing an Adele song and she hasn’t looked back since.
“You gotta be ready for the opportunities that appear in front of you and you gotta be willing to work hard — Aza knows that,” Joanne said.
When Aza is not singing, dancing or playing an instrument, she enjoys skiing, snowboarding, and every other artistic medium available to her. She loves living in Revelstoke with her parents and little brother and dreams of travel, performing and living large.
Never heard Aza sing? Here she is in a YouTube video:
