International Essay Contest Provides Chance To Win California Music Store
July 23, 2000The owner of a thriving music store in this growing mountain-ringed community will
sponsor an international essay contest on the love of music starting next week, with her store being awarded to the winner. The
store is located 35 miles north of Los Angeles.
Carole Ozanian, president of Big Valley Music Inc., will announce the contest at the NAMM Show in Nashville, Tennessee.
She said the winning entry will receive the keys to the nearly 1,700-square-foot store, its furnishings and extensive array of
musical instruments, equipment, books and sheet music, and its on-going business arrangements, including the 300 music
lessons conducted by professional instructors each month in three practice rooms.
"Contest submissions include a $100 entry fee, which will help defray some of the costs of giving away the store," Ozanian
said.
Big Valley Music will donate a portion of the entry fees to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation to help its goal of restoring
music education in public schools.
"This will forever change the life of one lucky individual or family while raising money for an important music-related
non-profit organization. I could just sell the store, but where's the fun in that? We prefer to create awareness of music making
and education, and at the same time offer someone the opportunity of a lifetime. I hope the winner is someone who is
passionate about music education and appreciates the value of music making as life-enhancing."
Ozanian said the essays must not exceed 400 words. The essay must begin with the phrase, "I've always wanted to own a
music store..." The contest kicks off July 20 and entries must be postmarked by February 1, 2000.
Entries should be sent to Big Valley Music Essay Contest, 21704 Devonshire St., #350, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Additional
information and photos of the store are available at the Big Valley Music Website at www.bigvalleymusiccontest.com or by
calling (818) 594-7475.
Ozanian said Big Valley Music opened in Santa Clarita 15 years ago. It has become the gathering spot for local musicians and
music students, and has developed a mailing list of more than 4,000 names. Among the instruments featured in its modernized
interior are guitars, drum sets, flutes, violins, cymbals, trumpets and clarinets. For more information, visit their web site at www.bigvalleymusiccontest.com. |
