Yep, the letter came today, and it was disappointing to Sticks.
The scholarship screening committee didn’t rank him high enough to qualify for the top three to compete for the scholarship. He’s disappointed, but determined. I admire that in him. He doesn’t let rejection stop him from trying again and again till he hits a winner.
This type of competition is difficult for a drummer. He is passionate about music and drumming and is really very good at it. But it’s hard to sell. If a screener has a choice between a drummer and a sax player, the sax player will get the edge (assuming they’re a GOOD sax player), simply because they have the benefit of melody on their side. There are many, many talented musicians in this area and I’m sure the 12 they chose are all worthy of the top prize.
What we learned: The next demo will have all live ensemble performance cuts in order to gain the benefit of audience reaction and the melodic edge.
Onward. 
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