CHESTERMERE – The Summer Olympics are over for another 4 years but I’m about to describe another Olympics of sorts that happens every year. This one is especially extraordinary for an exceptional local teen by the name of Sydney Whatmore. As you know with the Summer and Winter Olympics the entire world is watching and cheering on the talented athletes from their respective countries as they compete for the coveted gold medal. The incredible strength of national pride pushes each and every one of these competitors to give their best and prove they deserve to be there, and the result is a must-see event. It’s a recurring international competition we all look forward to, because we just can’t wait to see who’s victorious, and who grabs the gold.
But did you know that we could be talking about the World Championships of Performing Arts – the arts and entertainment version of the athletic Olympics. Instead of swimmers, skiers and skaters, this only-one-of-its-kind event showcases singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists and variety artists.
Over 75,000 applicants from 40 countries are given a 60 second (1 minute) audition for a spot to compete in one or more of six (6) categories of competition: dancing, singing, modeling, acting, comedy, bands, instrumentalists, variety arts. This is an 8 day prestigious worldwide event and is by invitation only. There are several workshops for the competitors on the days leading up to the completion. One of the workshops was given by Seth Riggs a world renowned vocal therapy and singing coach.
Sydney started taking singing lessons when she was just 5 years old and who knew how her talent would someday shine in the form of a Silver medal. She heard of the competition from her voice coach Leela Aheer and with some help (probably a lot of help) from her mom Shelly, she began to fundraise and refine her talents to qualify for the international championship. And refine she did, so much indeed that Sydney qualified to go to Hollywood and competed in 5 singing categories. She won 3 SILVER metals.
SILVER – Female Vocal Self Accompaniment Country & Western – 11-12
SILVER – Female Vocal Self Accompaniment Pop – 11-12
SILVER – Female Vocal Country & Western – 11-12
In addition, Sydney received two “Go See’s” to be interview by industry scouts. The Go See’s is a one on one interview with top industry people; one being Shele from CSM Words and Music and a second from Marc Williams a talent scout who represents Disney. Besides awarding gold, silver and bronze medals and Olympic-style trophies there is a presentation of a total of $130,000 in scholarships: $30,000 in scholarships from the famed Millennium Dance Complex and $100,000 from the renowned New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts School of Film and Television.
Thirteen year old Sydney takes piano lessons at Saks Music right here in Chestermere and has written about 20 songs; two of which she sang at the event and won a SILVER medal with one of them. So aside from writing songs and competing at world events, Sydney loves to get involved in fundraising where she will show off her incredible talents. The next fundraising event Sydney will be performing at is the YOUTH WATER WALK taking place September 29th, 2012 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm at the Chestermere Town Hall, 105 Marina Rd. and who knows what’s next but I’ll bet she has her eyes set on bringing home the GOLD.
Just wait world, a star is among us!!! HERE COMES SYDNEY
Great Job Sydney
Im very proud of what you have accomplished. Look forward to many more achievements in the furture.