Sonny Emory’s Youth Drum Set Contest: Uplifting Talent, Supporting Music in Schools
Sonny Emory is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for youth drummers (13-18) across the United States: an online drum set contest designed to support music programs in schools and showcase young talent. This contest provides aspiring drummers the chance to shine and opens the door to an unforgettable experience—performing live at a concert headlined by SONNY & THE7EVENTHTIME.
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About Sonny Emory
Sonny Emory is a world-renowned drummer, composer, and educator with a career spanning decades in the music industry. Known for his innovative drumming and genre-defying style, Sonny has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Earth, Wind & Fire, Eric Clapton, and Steely Dan. As the leader of his dynamic band, SONNY & THE7EVENTHTIME, Sonny continues to captivate audiences with his electrifying performances and boundary-pushing compositions. A passionate advocate for music education, Sonny is committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians through mentorship and initiatives that celebrate young talent.
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How It Works
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Download the Track
Sonny Emory has created an exclusive instrumental track without drums, available for download below. -
Create Your Drum Set Performance
Contestants will introduce themselves (Name, Age) .Contestants will play their own drum set over the instrumental track and record a video of their performance. -
Submit Your Video
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Upload the video to YouTube as a "UNLISTED" video.
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Submit the video link along with your details via the online submission form -
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Age Categories
Contestants will compete in two age categories:
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13-15 years old
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16-18 years old
Two finalists will be chosen from each category, and one winner will be selected in each.
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Judging
A panel of judges, including Sonny Emory and his team of professional drummers, will review all submissions.
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Performances will be critiqued and judged based on the following principles:
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Musicality and Overall creativity of drum part and solo sections for track provided.
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Consistency of Time and Feel
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Technique/Hands and Feet
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Showmanship and Concept of Solo performance.
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Finalists and Winners
Four finalists (two per category) will be selected to perform live as the opening act for SONNY & THE7EVENTHTIME at a concert in March 2025. One winner will be chosen from each category during the event.
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Prizes for the Winners
Each category winner will receive:
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Yamaha Tour Custom Drum Kit
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Brick of Sonny Emory Drumsticks
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And More…
Contest Rules
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Open to youth aged 13-18 residing in the United States.
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Submissions must feature the provided instrumental track and original drum set performance.
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Video submission should include an introduction from the performer with name & age.
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Videos must be uploaded to YouTube as UNLISTED videos, with links submitted via Submission Form.
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Deadline for submissions: February 9, 2025, or when 400 contestants have entered, whichever comes first.
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Finalists will be notified by February 28, 2025.
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Finalists must be available to perform at the concert in March 2025.
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Legal and Parental Consent
For participants under 18, parental or guardian consent is required. Contestants also grant permission
for their performance videos and likeness to be used in promotional materials related to the
competition.
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Timeline
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January 11, 2025: Contest begins. Track available for download below.
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February 9, 2025: Submission deadline (or when 400 contestants have entered).
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February 28, 2025: Finalists announced.
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End of March 2025: Live performance at SONNY & THE7EVENTHTIME concert.
Get Started Today!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to share your talent with the world, compete for amazing prizes, and perform alongside a legend in the drumming community. Let’s make some music and inspire the world!