2013 | 2014 | 2015 Valley Voices Vocal Competitions (VVVC)

This was the website created to promote the Valley Voices Vocal Competition (VVVC), which was dedicated to the development of young talent. The intent of this competition was to instill hope in those who may not otherwise experience the realization and possibility of living their worthwhile dreams.

Content is from the site's archived content as well as from other outside sources.

I have followed the Valley Voices Vocal Competition since 2009. When it suddenly disappeared after the 2015 competition I was dismayed. Unexpectedly I recently discovered that the domain was available, so I bought it with the goal of recreating as much of its original content as possible from its archived pages. I did not want someone else to purchase the domain and re-purpose the site for something that had nothing in common with the original VVVC website.

I happen to work for a company providing affordable Magento development services for e commerce sites, but my training in web development made recreating this site in a truncated form a breeze. If you are unfamiliar with the Magento e-commerce platform, it uses open source code, with hundreds of options and is completely scalable. The hundreds of options is what usually overwhelms webmasters who are not experienced with the Magento platform. I help create custom Magento extension development that a business needs for custom integrations for example its warehouse, retail locations, and POS system. This kind of precise back-end Magento development and customization is very important. Since the Valley Voices Vocal Competition is not an e-commerce site, but rather an information site, its requirements were different. Using the site's archived pages I was able to rebuild a version of the site on this proprietary CMS (non Magento) platform so that former contestants and winners could still have some presence on the WWW.

With an e commerce site it is important to have high ranks in the search for important key words. Showing up on page 3 or more is not going to cut it. Thus, there are many companies out there offering to improve search results for you. I have used TNG/Earthling for several of my client's e commerce sites. TNG/E is an seo powerhouse based in NYC and has a number of very large clients. One of their principals is a social media expert which is particularly helpful with Instagram. Long the home of influencers, brands, bloggers, small business owners, friends and everyone in between, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat are the top social media platforms. One client was trying to rank for the keywords "reupholstery NYC". They created service business providing expert craftsmen who can make your living room furniture appear better than new. Reupholstery is a very special skill that proves with the right choice of fabrics some padding and an experienced artist you can have a makeover on the look of your sofa that is amazing. I became a client of this client - finding the right connections is the one perk built into my job.

Oops, sorry for that digression. I recommend ad campaigns on Pinterest and Facebook for my e commerce sites where I feel it will make a difference. BTW: A site like the Valley Voices Vocal Competitions from 2013- 2015 did have Youtube, and a Twitter account.

Where are the founders of the Valley Voices Vocal Competition? As of 2020, Darcy D, owner of DMG, Darcy D Music Group/Artist Development Western Canada's most comprehensive artist development studio continues to host workshops in all aspects of artist development, providing a path for artists from vocal analysis to radio ready finished product. He is still an active director of the Valley Voices Vocal Competition.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PAGE CONTAINS SELECTIVE ARCHIVED CONTENT FROM THE ORIGINAL SITE.

Since the site will not be exactly as you remember it, please be indulgent.
Now let's take a nostalgic stroll back to the VVVC years from 2013-2015.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors of Abbotsford Agrifair our sincere thanks to Valley Voices. The entertainment and showcase of talent you bring to our community's fair is absolutely amazing! Looking forward to another great year"...Ernie Silveri - President, Abbotsford Agrifair

Valley Voices Vocal Competition (VVVC) 2013

About VVVC

In 2008, Darcy D and Brad Styba of Abbotsford, BC, joined forces to produce the BC Idol contest and on the heels of its success, they launched the Valley Voices Vocal Competition (VVVC) the following year.

By sponsor support from companies and organizations such as Abbotsford Agrifair, McDonalds, Seven Oaks Shopping Centre, Long & McQuade, City of Abbotsford, DMG and Revival Arts Photo Studio, the VVVC has assisted in the development of several music careers.

Based out of Abbotsford, BC, Canada, the VVVC and its community of supporters are proud to be presenting the 7th Annual Valley Voices Vocal Competition.

Current Directors & Presenters

Darcy D
Darcy D Music Group & Founder of VVVC ;

Brad Styba
Event Manager, Tradex Abbotsford Agrifair Entertainment Committee Chair, Founder of VVVC

Lisa Witt
Vocal Coach / Darcy D Music Group

Angela Harris
Marketing & Communications
Fair Wend Entertainment Services

VVVC 2015 TIMELINE

MARCH 8th - AUDITION

APRIL 12th - AUDITION

MAY 10th - AUDITION

MAY 15th - A MAXIMUM OF TOP 25 QUALIFIERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED

MAY 29th - ONLINE PERFORMANCE VIDEO SEGMENT OPENS & FAN VOTING BEGINS

JUNE 5th - ONLINE PERFORMANCE VIDEO SEGMENT CLOSES
JUNE 19th - 15 SEMI-FINALISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED

JULY 19th - SEMI-FINALS - LIVE PERFORMANCE (Solo) SEGMENT @ THE TRADEX / 6 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

JULY 31st - FINALS - LIVE PERFORMANCE (Band) SEGMENT @ AGRIFAIR MAIN STAGE / WINNER IS ANNOUNCED

VVVC 2015 GUIDELINES

1. ELIGIBILITY.

You must be a resident of British Columbia.
You must be between the ages of 7-12 yrs (Junior Category) or 13-18 yrs (Senior Category)
You must be at an amateur level.

NOTE: Professional and/or established vocalists who make a living by singing, will not be accepted into this competition

2. AUDITIONS.

Auditions will takes place on the following dates: March 8, April 12 and May 10, 2015.
Contestants are asked to prepare two (2) songs to perform a capella.
Auditions are booked on a first come, first served basis.
Contestants that reside within the lower mainland are asked to audition live.
Contestants who reside outside of the lower mainland may audition by submitting a video recording of two songs sung a cappella.

Live Auditions

Auditions will take place in closed room sessions with the judging panel.
You will be asked to state your name, age and introduce the songs that you will be performing.
After the audition, contestants will receive valuable, constructive feedback from the judges.
Contestants are asked to arrive fifteen (15) minutes prior to their audition time. Failure to arrive on time may affect your opportunity to audition.
Remember to dress for success and let your personality shine through!

Online Auditions

Professionally produced and directed music videos do not qualify.
Home videos are acceptable. Please ensure that the video is audible.
Prior to performing your songs on video, please state your name, age and introduce the songs that you will be performing.
Your video will be judged in a closed room session with the judging panel on the same dates as the live auditions.
After the audition, contestants will receive valuable, constructive feedback from the judges via email.

3. BOOKING YOUR AUDITION.

A $35.00 CAD non-refundable administration fee will be charged to all contestants.
Once payment is received, you will be contacted within 24 hours for confirmation of your audition date.
If you have any questions, please direct them to Lisa Witt

4. AUDITION LOCATION.

Darcy D Music Group
33783 Essendene Street (2nd floor)
Abbotsford, BC

***Both Live and Online Auditions will take place at this location.

5. AUDITION - JUDGING CRITERIA.

Contestants will be judged on the following:

Song relevance
Vocal ability
Performance quality
Appearance
Overall confidence

NOTE: Contestants that do not meet the criteria during their audition are encouraged to re-audition at subsequent audition dates.

6. QUALIFIERS, SEMI-FINALISTS & FINALISTS.

The top twenty-five (25) registrants from the auditions will move forward to the Online Fan Voting segment of the competition.
The top fifteen (15) from the Online Performance Video Segment will move forward to the Semi-Finals.
The fifteen (15) Semi-finalists will compete in the Live Performance (Solo) Segment, performing two (2) songs to tracks or an accompanist.
The top six (6) from the Live Performance (Solo) Segment will move forward to the Finals.
The six (6) finalists will perform two songs with a professional house band before a judging panel on the main stage at the Abbotsford Agrifair on July 31st, 2015.

7. JUDGING CRITERIA.

All contestants will be judged based on a combination of the following criteria:
Online Fan voting:

Online voting statistics

Audience votes:

Largest response/votes at live performances

Judges Panel:

Song choice
Vocal performance
Audience participation
Believability
Vocal ability
Stage presence

Madison Bell Performance at the Valley Voices Vocal Competition Finals 2015
Here's one of two winning performances by Madison Bell during the Valley Voices Vocal Competition (VVVC) Finals in 2015. Madison, who is also the winner of the teen songwriting competition, The Star Experience Canada, won First Place at this year's VVVC.

2015 VVVC PRIZES

Grand Prize Winner (Overall)

2 - 30 minute Vocal Lessons with Darcy D of DMG Artist Development
2 - 30 minute consultations with Angela Harris ofFair Wend Entertainment Services
1 Songwriting session with hit songwriter Troy Samson(Nettwerk One Music)
1 Single recorded & produced by a hit Producer at a professional recording studio
1 Professional photo shoot with Element 8 Studios in support of the single (2 High Res images)
Artist Identity package: Logo design, business cards and social media graphics branding by: Element 8 Studios
1 Professional Industry Standard splash page in support of the single by FurnaceFish Media
NOTE: DMG Artist Development is always on the look out for new talent to develop. Singers (and their representatives) who meet all the criteria of a DMG Artist Development Deal may be considered for deal.

Valley Voices Vocal Competition 2015 Judges

Troy Samson: Producer
Ian Prince: Producer
Olivia Guerina: A&R Macklam Feldman
Victoria Duffield: Pop Star

Valley Voices Vocal Competition 2015 Band

Pat Steward (drums)
Pat is a Canadian rock legend, recording numerous hits and touring with Bryan Adams, The Odds, Colin James, and Matthew Good. Pat remains one of the country's most in-demand session players, and a busy clinician through his association with SONOR drums.

Andrew Rasmussen (keyboards)
Andrew studied at the Berklee College of Music and has quickly become a regular collaborator with some of Canada's top bands and artists, including Carly Rae Jepsen, Hey Ocean, and Rosie June.

Aaron Grant (guitar/keyboards)
Aaron is talented multi-instrumentalist who has toured internationally and made high-profile television appearances with popular acts such as Lights, and Neon Trees, among others.

Jim Black (guitar)
Jim is a member of local jazz-pop fusion band Star Captains and a regular collaborator with other Vancouver acts, as well as entertainment director for White Rock's Sea Fest.

Ryland Haggis (bass)
his is Ryland's 3rd year as Musical Director for Valley Voices. Ryland has recorded and performed with many of Canada's best artists from different genres -- from country, to hip-hop, jazz, and pop

VVVC 2015 Winner / Semi-Finalists / Semi-Qualifiers/

Valley Voices Vocal Competition 2015 WINNER | Madison Bell

VVVC SEMI-FINALISTS (in no particular order):

Nina Bernabe	Sophie Candolfi	Jayden Keleney	Capri Everitt
Kyla Kinna	Ruby Bruce	Jewel Hand	Arianna Abegayle
Jasmine Deo	Alexis Lynn	Katia Wells-Green	Madison Bell
Solea Jorgenson	McKenzie Jade	Amanda Langset

HERE ARE YOUR VVVC QUALIFIERS (in no particular order):

Jasmine Deo	Trista Monet Lang	Ruby Bruce	Alexis Lynn
Jayden Keleny	Makayla Gallacher	Katia Wells-Green	Solea Jorgensen
Jewel Hand	Kyla Kinna	Nina Bernabe	Capri Everitt
McKenzie Jade	Sophie Candolfi	Arianna Abegayle	Connor Nelson
Amanda Langset	Madison Bell	Ashara Renearts

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2014 VVVC Competition

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2014 VVVC PRIZES

Grand Prize Winner (Overall)

Possible DMG Artist Development Deal
One hour consultation with Fair Wend Entertainment Services
Professional photo shoot by Revival Arts
Website by FurnaceFish Media
Graphic design by Dzyne Graphix
Vocal Session with Dave Stroud (One Direction, Justin Beiber, American Idol and more…)
Single produced by Troy Samson

Valley Voices Vocal Competition (VVVC) 2014

alley Voices Vocal Competition (VVVC) is dedicated to the development of young talent. The intent of this competition is to instil hope in those who may not otherwise experience the realization and possibility of living their worthwhile dreams.

The 2014 competition is well underway! Auditions on March 1, March 29 & May 3 are now complete and the Top 25 have been announced. Fan voting for the Online Performance Video Segmetn opens on May 30 and closes on June 2. Check our Facebook page to see the list of singers in BC ages 7-18 and VOTE by clicking LIKE on your favourite video(s).

2014 VVVC JUDGES

Semi-Finals
Victoria Duffield
Ryland Haggis
Chiko Misomali

Finals
Dave Stroud (DVDS & VocalizeU)
Ian Prince (Hiltone Music)
Troy Samson (Madlucky)

Valley Voices Vocal Competition 2014 Band

Ryland Haggis (bass, bandleader)
Ryland is a bass player, composer, and producer from Vancouver, BC. He has been nominated multiple times for Canadian Country Music Association Bass Player Of The Year, as well as for the British Columbia Country Music Association Bass Player Of The Year. He has recorded and performed with artists like Jessie Farrell, Jason Blaine, Aaron Pritchett, Katie Armiger, AJ Woodworth, and Kylee Epp, among others.

Tobi Duquette (drums)
Tobi has made his way successfully into the Vancouver music scene and quickly created a name as a professional, enthusiastic and hard-working talent. Tobi has toured Canada multiple times and played rooms in New York, L.A., and Toronto. He's tracked drums and percussion with several bands and producers at notable studios such as The Armoury, The Warehouse and Mushroom. Tobi has performed with artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen, Wes Mack, Kylee Epp, Kate Morgan, and Alexandra Maillot, to name a few.

Rick Baker (keyboards/guitar)
Rick is a Vancouver-based piano player and multi-insturmentalist. He is the keyboardist for the Hip Hop Soul backing group "The Chaperones", supporting artists such as Kyprios and Chaplyn, Rick is a 6-year veteran of the house band at the world famous Roxy Nightclub, and splits his time this year supporting artists such as Georgia Murray and Tonye Aganaba & The Foundation. Rick is a graduate of the VCC Jazz Program, with a diploma in contemporary piano performance. Daytime finds Rick as an artist manager for Hey Ocean, k-os, and A&R/Artist Development for Nettwerk Records & Nettwerk Management.

Phillip Laessoe (keyboards)
Philip has been playing and performing live with bands for more than twenty years in Europe and Canada and is skilled in most musical styles. His versatility, live experience and sound production skills add a unique feel to any musical act. Philip's highly energetic, melodic and improvisational playing style is fuelled by a deep fascination with his instrument. His sparkling appeal and dedication to creating a captivating live production sound give audiences from all over the world an enchanting music experience.

Dave Barber (guitar)
Dave has played guitar for artists such as Dallas Smith, Chad Brownlee, Jason McCoy, Small Town Pistols, and many other artists across different genres. His own band, GB Roots, thrills audiences at blues and roots festivals all over North America.

VVVC 2014 Winner / Semi-Finalists / Semi-Qualifiers/

Valley Voices Vocal Competition 2014 WINNER |Jada Klein

VVVC FINALISTS (in no particular order):

Jada Klein	Caitlin Canning	Nicki Meier
Madison Bell	Ruby Bruce	Jada McKenzie Moore

VVVC SEMI-FINALISTS (in no particular order):

Avery Amores	Caitlin Canning	Dayton Gill	Nicki Meier
Madison Bell	Julia Souto Couto	Neliah Jillings	Jada McKenzie Moore
Shianna Bisgard	Aza Deschamps	Jada Klein	Ashley Pater
Ruby Bruce	Hailey Elzinga	Alexis Lynn Lebienzeder	Caylee Watrin

VVVC QUALIFIERS (in no particular order) moving forward to the Online Performance Video Segment of the competition:

Madison Bell	Neliah Jennings	Caylee Watrin
Caitlin Canning	Avery Amores	Shianna Bisgard
Catryna Akins	Nicki Meier	Dayton Gill
Ruby Bruce	McKenzie Jade	Aza Deschamps
TC Dickinson	Alexis Lebienzeder	Jada Moore
Jada Klein	Hailey Elzinga	Jonah Weisner
Connor Nelson	Ashley Pater	Leslie Gore
Jessica Mutch	Kasha Lucier	Julia Soto Couto
Delphine Shiek Amuddy

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2013 VVVC Competition

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2013 VVVC PRIZES

Grand Prize Winner (Overall)

Sessions w/world famous voice coaches
Dave Stroud (Natasha Beddingfield, Cee Lo Green, Adam Lambert)
RAab Stevenson (Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Rowland
Complete Artist Development Package from Darcy D Music Group
One – Two hour consultation with Fair Wend Entertainment Services
Website support by FurnaceFish Media
Recording at Studio Downe Under
Production by Troy Sampson

Additionally:

The finalist in each category will receive from (Dave Stroud) Vocalize U prize package which includes:
- VU Home Studio Edition is the deepest, most sophisticated and comprehensive education solution available today. It is customized, interactive, intelligent and scales with the users ability level. In addition to cutting edge vocal edge evaluations, warm-ups and vocalist tools, users can connect to live vocal experts within the application. The product is also bundled with more than $150 of exclusive educational text based and video content.

Runner Up (Overall)

Trophy
One two hour consultation with Fair Wend Entertainment Services

2013 VVVC JUDGES

Preliminary Judges (Auditions)

Darcy D (Darcy D Music Group)
Lisa Witt (Darcy D Music Group)
Brad Styba (Tradex-Trade & Exhibition Centre)
Angela Harris (Fair Wend Entertainment Services)

Judges (Finals)

Kylee Epp Singer / Songwriter
This October, Kylee was nominated for four BC Country Music Awards: FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR, SOCAN SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR, RAY MCAULEY HORIZON AWARD and WEBSITE OF THE YEAR. In December, Kylee was the winner of the RAY MCAULEY HORIZON AWARD at the BCCMA Awards show held in Vancouver, BC.
To kick off the New Year; Kylee released her sophomore single “Get It Right”. Written with fellow Vancouver-ite Paul Laine, Get It Right is a fun upbeat song that gives a blast of energy to a seemingly ballad driven time of year. The single peaked at #55 on the BDS Canadian Country Radio Chart in March 2013.
Kylee's self titled 6 song EP was released on January 28th. This bright and charming country-pop artist makes music with her heart wide open. Her passion and enthusiasm ring true through sweet vocals and fresh sounds.

Troy Samson Songwriter / Producer
Troy Samson is a Canadian songwriter / producer published by Nettwerk One Music. He co-founded Hipjoint Music Group and now owns his own production company called Madlucky Music.
He’s worked with Kelly Rowland, Victoria Duffield, Cody Simpson, Shiloh, Hedley, Kreesha Turner, Delerium, Stef Lang, Craig Smart, Nikon, Calvin Klein, and the NFL to name a few

Phil Lehmann
Phil Lehmann is not only the co- founder of AMP Records, The Future Label, he is a sought after songwriter, producer, and mixer. He has been involved with various music projects for AMP Records, Hipjoint Music Group and Nettwerk One Music as well as productions for such artists as Kelly Rowland (Sony / BMG), Delerium (Nettwerk), Kreesha Turner (Virgin / EMI (USA), and Juno Nominated Shiloh (Universal Music (Canada) / Universal Republic (USA). His compositions and productions have landed him a WCMA for Urban Recording of the Year, national radio exposure in 2012 as producer and co-writer, with Virgin Radio Star winner Lexi Strate, all while growing a list of film and TV placements that include “Samantha Who”, “Beauty and The Beast”, “One Tree Hill”, “Degrassi TNG”, and “Jane By Design”. Phil is currently working with several up and coming artists and is always seeking new raw talent.

Tara Lett
ara Lett is the Co-founder and creative director of AMP Records, The Future Label, where she works directly with artists as an image consultant, vocal coach and songwriter, while overseeing office and studio operations. Tara co-founded the annual Band Fight event and is a co-founder of the artist networking night “Tuesday Night Music Club” (The Mix), she has performed as a musician/vocalist for Joey Restaurants, the YPO, BMW, deMaurier, Vancouver magazine awards & The Vancouver Nightlife Awards. Tara has toured across Canada & in The US, her songs have received national radio play, and several Television placements on the Hit TV series Degrassi TNG and CW's Beauty and the Beast.

Kenny Jones
Im the afternoon drive host at SONiC..been in radio 12 years from Windsor Ontario Love Music!!!! on twitter @kennyjones7

Valley Voices Vocal Competition 2013 Band

Ryland Haggis
Making music with everyone from Juno-award winning jazz musicians, to hip-hop, pop, and country artists, Ryland's experience has put him in countless and diverse musical contexts.
Ryland has been nominated for CCMA Bass Player Of The Year for 2008, 2009, and 2010, as well BCCMA Bass Player Of The Year in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. He has toured and recorded with country artists such as Jessie Farrell, AJ Woodworth, The Higgins, Robyn & Ryleigh, Kylee Epp, Aaron Pritchett, and Jason Blaine, among others.
His collaboration with Kylee Epp on her self-titled debut EP, released in 2012, has seen Ryland add to his credentials the role of co-songwriter, to accompany that of bass player and bandleader.

Dave Corman
Equally at home behind the producer's chair or on stage, Dave enjoys playing lots of different roles in the music business such as: Producer, guitarist, keyboardist, mixer, songwriter and film composer.
ave has been fortunate to work with such artists as: The Wilkinsons, The Higgins, Jessie Farrell, Uzume Taiko, Nearly Neil and Mary Zilba among many others.
Dave's music has appeared in television shows including: "American Idol", "America's Got Talent", "LA Ink", "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic", "Martha Speaks" and feature films such as "Dirty Girl", "Magic Beyond Words: The JK Rowlings Story", "Within" and "The Third Eye".

Geoff Hicks
Geoff is one of Vancouver's most in-demand drummers for live shows and studio sessions. He has performed and recorded with acts such as The Paperboys, Aaron Pritchett, Barney Bentall, Steve Dawson, and Colin James, too name but a few.

Rick Baker
Rick is a native Vancouverite and keyboardist for the Hip-Hop/Soul backing group "The Chaperones", supporting artists such as Kyprios and Chaplyn.
He is a 6 year veteran of the house band at the world famous Roxy Nightclub, and splits his time this year supporting artists such as Georgia Murray and Tonye Aganaba & The Foundation.
Rick is a graduate of the VCC Jazz Program, with a diploma in contemporary piano performance.
Daytime finds Rick as an artist manager for Hey Ocean, k-os, and A&R/Artist Development for Nettwerk Records & Nettwerk Management.

Mike Sanyshyn
Mike Sanyshyn is a CCMA and BCCMA Fiddle Player of the Year.
Mike is multi-instrumentalist and highly in-demand session and touring musician who is a current member of Deric Ruttan's live band, traveling from coast to coast .
The BC Country Music Awards featured Mike as the Musical Director for it's annual awards gala in 2012.
Other notable artists Mike has performed with are, Luke Bryan, Doc Walker,Terri Clark, Paul Brandt, Dean Brody, One More Girl, Jessie Farrell, Dallas Smith, Jason Blaine, Aaron Pritchett, plus many more.

VVVC 2013 Winner / Semi-Finalists / Semi-Qualifiers/

Valley Voices Vocal Competition 2013 WINNER | Kianna Nicholson