Now entering its seventh year, the 2018 edition of the Hit Like A Girl international drum contest promises to build on the success and growing popularity of the program to expand the public awareness of the female drummers and grow the female drumming community.
The 2018 theme, “Break Through,” is an acknowledgement of the progress already made in shattering barriers and stereotypes as well as a call to action aimed at empowering more women and girls to become players.
Hit Like A Girl 2018 will run from March through May. During the entry period, there are six weekly competitions open to all contestants. The weekly contests are judged by top female drum industry executives along with a female endorser from presenting sponsors.
After the entry period, there are 2 weeks of public voting followed by the selection of finalists and judging by an all-star panel of celebrity drummers. Winners will be announced during a webcast ceremony in mid-May.
This year, online entries will be accepted in the over and under 18 age divisions of the drum set, concert, marching and world percussion categories as well as the new Music Technology category run by Beats By Girlz. In addition, the updated HLAG website will offer links to professional backing tracks suggested by artists such as Anika Nilles and Kaz Rodriguez and sponsors including Drum Channel, Drumeo and Drum Guru.
Other developments for 2018 include a version of Hit Like a Girl in China organized by the 9 Beats drum schools, expanded local contests in Mexico, France, the UK, and other areas around the world organized through the HLAG Ambassadors program and new alliances, with educational organizations such as DCI, School Of Rock and Girls Rock Camps.
The lists of 2018 judges, prizes and sponsors are pending and will be announced as they are confirmed.
