THE INTERNATIONAL ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS
SONG CONTEST IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

ADK MICROPHONES
DAISY GUITARS
MAKEMUSIC.COM SONGWRITING SOFTWARE
BACKBEAT BOOKS
CLARKE TINWHISTLES
SONGQUARTERS TIP SHEET
HITQUARTERS
SINGER & MUSICIAN MAGAZINE
BIG STAR PRODUCTIONS

For a description of our wonderful sponsors:

ADK Microphones: www.adkmic.com
Professional Condenser Microphones) ADK’s mission is to replicate the sonic qualities of vintage European microphones by means of spectrum analysis and computer modeling of response curves. While others are trying to make cheaper condenser microphones, ADK is trying to make them better! Check out their website for testimonials from Grammy winning mixer/engineers.

Daisy Guitar: www.daisyrock.com
Daisy guitars have slimmer necks than standard guitars. This makes for easier playing for people with smaller hands. Our guitars are also lightweight so they won't overpower you if you have a small build. Another really great feature of our guitars is the contour in the body design. The guitars are extremely comfortable and lie perfectly across our bodies. Not to mention that they sound and look great on stage!

Backbeat Books: www.backbeatbooks.com
Backbeat Books has been publishing books since 1990 for people who are passionate about music –for musicians who want to dig deeper into their craft and for fans looking to immerse themselves in their favourite music, no matter what the style or era. Backbeat books is part of the Music Player Network, the most comprehensive and authoritative information resource for musicians. The group includes Guitar Player, Bass Player, Keyboard, EQ, and other magazines.

MakeMusic!: www.finalemusic.com/songwriter
MakeMusic Inc. is the world leader in software and systems for music educators and musicians. Among our leading products are Finale®, the world's best-selling music notation software and SmartMusic Studio®, the complete music practice system that features Intelligent Accompaniment® and the world's largest interactive accompaniment library. Finale SongWriter™, designed specifically for songwriters, is the fast, easy way to create and print professional-quality sheet music. Import and export MIDI files, enter music with your mouse, computer keyboard or MIDI device to create music with up to 8 staves.

Hitquarters: www.hitquarters.com
HitQuarters presents the largest available database of A&Rs, managers, producers and publishers, including contact details
and credits. It also publishes articles and interviews with high profile music industry figures, as well as offering the chance for artists to submit their songs to an A&R Panel with credits from dozens of platinum-selling artists.

Songquarters: www.songquarters.com
SongQuarters is a service for songwriters and publishers who want artists to record their songs. It tells you which of the Top 500 artists in the world are looking for songs, and offers leads to developing and locally successful artists. At the moment there are more than 150 artists worldwide looking for songs. You will find contact details of the A&R or manager
receiving submitted material, guidelines to the style of music wanted,song samples, deadlines for submission, and further detailed information.

Clarke Tin Whistles: The Stradivarius of Tinwhistles, www.clarketinwhistle.com
In 1843 the young farm labourer, Robert Clarke, put the ingredients together in a very special way that produced a small miracle. And that is how the Clarke Tinwhistle is produced today. Delicate operations still continue to be done by hand and, most importantly, Robert Clarke's traditional conical bore has been retained to give the instrument its unique sound.

Tinwhistle buffs call this sound "chiff" and no other tinwhistle has the same degree of "chiff" as a Clarke. The tone of the instrument is clear and flute-like, but it is also described as "crisp and responsive" by Bill Ochs; and "husky and sensual" by Mary Bergin. All these descriptions add up to "chiff". What Tommy Makem calls, "The great Clarke tone". This is what makes a Clarke Tinwhistle unique. The Tinwhistle is a simple, traditional instrument, ideal for popular and folk music but it is also suitable for a much wider musical repertoire.

Singer & Musician (Formerly Singer Magazine):www.singermagazine.com, www.singerradio.com
The Magazine Dedicated to Educating, Encouraging and Supporting Independent Artists - Reaching over 55,000 active artists, radio programmers, venue owners and fans of Independent Music!
(540) 438-7464, greg@singermagazine.com
PO Box 1288, Harrisonburg, VA 22803

Big Star Productions:www.bigstarproductions.com
Big Star (Graphix Cd Design & Cd Replication) puts its focus on the independent musician, record label and music lover. You've got the ideas, now what? Make your new release sizzle like the majors by putting our team of professionals to work for you. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, there are no hidden secrets. Our focus is on you and providing you with a package that is not only retail ready but a professional representation of your work, your lifestyle and your love... MUSIC! By putting your trust in Big Star your committed to a team of professionals who share the same passion as you. MUSIC!