Teen Pop Sensation Greyson Chance and Singer/Songwriter Shaun Barrowes to Co-Emcee and Perform at NAMM's Third Annual SchoolJam USA Finals Event

CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced that teen pop sensation, songwriter, vocalist and pianist Greyson Chance and singer/songwriter Shaun Barrowes will co-host and perform at the third annual SchoolJam USA finals event. The teen battle of the bands competition will take place on Jan. 21 in Downtown Disney as part of the world-famous NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.

"I am honored to be a part of a program with NAMM that is encouraging students to grow their musical talents," said Chance. "Music is such an important part of my life and I am very excited to help shine the spotlight on some new talent – it's important to me to support programs like SchoolJam USA and foster ongoing music education."

Since his stirring performance of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" at his sixth-grade talent show was posted on YouTube and earned him national recognition as well as a record deal as the first signing to Ellen DeGeneres' record label eleveneleven, Chance has begun an extraordinary music career. In the last year, Chance has completed two North American tours, performed at the White House, the Campaign for Human Rights and Variety's Power of Youth benefit and has a recurring role on the hit FOX comedy series Raising Hope. The fourteen-year old's debut album Hold on 'Til the Night, was released earlier this year and has garnered critical acclaim.

Former season-seven "American Idol" contestant Shaun Barrowes is an award-winning singer/songwriter. Nicknamed "Hammer Hands" for his heavy-handed piano technique, Barrowes began composing music at the age of 15, and cut his first record just a year later. Following international touring and album recordings, Barrowes created a school benefit tour where a portion of proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit participating school arts programs.

"Programs like SchoolJam USA motivate kids to nurture their musical talent by giving them an opportunity they might not otherwise have," said Barrowes. "What I love most about this program is the emphasis on keeping kids' school music programs alive because music education is critical in helping students reach their full potential."

SchoolJam USA is a national program that rewards aspiring teen musicians (ages 13-19) and promotes active participation in school music programs produced by NAMM and promotional sponsors, NAfME: National Association for Music Education, School of Rock, SchoolJam Germany, Music For All, TakeLessons.com, Drum Corps International, In Tune Monthly, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, Vans Warped Tour and Channel One News.

On Jan. 21, the top eight finalist bands will perform live at Downtown Disney District in front of a panel of professional judges and hundreds of fans for the chance to take the title of "Best Teen Band in the USA." This year's judges panel includes:

• Stan Freese, talent casting director, Disneyland
• Irwin Kornfeld, CEO, In Tune Partners and Westchester Media
• Menzie Pittman, owner and director of education, Contemporary Music Centers
• Michael Smith, project manager, MI and instruments, Peavey Electronics Company

The winning band will perform at the original SchoolJam festival in Frankfurt, Germany in spring 2012; receive a music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus along with cash prizes of $1,000 to purchase of new gear and $5,000 for their school music programs. The remaining finalists will also receive funds for gear and a donation to their school music programs. Music from the finalist bands can be heard at www.schooljamusa.com.

SchoolJam is part of NAMM's ongoing educational and promotional campaign to encourage people of all ages to play music through its "Pledge to Play" initiative. Launched last year, "Pledge to Play" is a national call-to-action for the 85 percent of Americans who, according to a recent Gallup poll, do not play a musical instrument but wish that they did. NAMM's "Pledge to Play" can be found at www.facebook.com/wannaplaybynamm.

For more information on Greyson Chance, please visit his website at www.greyson-official.com or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/greysonchance or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreysonChance.

More information and music for Shaun Barrowes can be found at http://shaunbarrowes.blogspot.com.

About SchoolJam

SchoolJam is an established music initiative, originally developed by MM MusikMedia Germany to promote popular and rock music in schools throughout Germany. The program has provided thousands of music-loving young adults with the opportunity to perform and network with their peers, increasing their love for playing music and encouraging them to become active musicians.

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM is the sponsor of the Wanna Play? campaign, a public awareness initiative designed to get more people connected with the proven benefits of playing music. For more information about Wanna Play, please visit www.wannaplaymusic.com. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.

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SOURCE NAMM