By Sarah Sticklen
news@joplinglobe.com
When Joplin High School senior Becca Mascher heard about the KLOVE Rock the Camp singing-songwriting competition, not only did she feel that it was a chance to reach her dream, but she also knew that it was a sign from God.
“My mom randomly turned on the radio and heard an ad for the contest,” Mascher said. “I was really interested and had a few songs, so I took the chance.”
Sponsored by KLOVE radio, Rock the Camp is an online Christian music competition similar to “American Idol.” Singers and songwriters 13 years old and older from across the United States uploaded an audio recording of an original Christian song and advanced to the next round by the number of votes their song received.
The contest began in early February with more than 800 entries, and three weeks later the top 50 contestants were determined — Mascher was one of them.
Before the contest, Mascher had never shared her personal songs because she was unsure of putting her feelings out into the open, she said. After learning about the contest, though, she said that she felt God presented her with an opportunity she couldn’t miss.
“If He feels like (the contest) is right for me, then I’m willing to give it my time,” Mascher said.
Mascher began singing in church choirs at a young age, and has led worship at Calvary Baptist Youth for five years, occasionally leading Sunday worship for the entire congregation. Mascher also has been a member of Joplin High School’s Sound Dimension program for four years.
Together, church and music make up a huge part of Mascher’s life, and she hopes to use these strong aspects of her life to be an inspiration to others, she said.
“I love singing and being able to show people, ‘Hey, strive for it and you can do it,’” she said.
Mascher hopes to pursue a career in music, through which she would like to be an example for teenagers as someone who’s clung to their core values, she said.
“There are not a lot of people you can look up to as a teen,” Mascher said. “I would like to be that person.”
Rock the Camp, Mascher said, will hopefully be a strong start to her music career and a way for her to lead and be an example of a follower of God. Her song for the contest, “I Will Always Believe,” discusses the sense of security given by God, whether one realizes it or not, she says.
“No matter what you do in life, God is always going to be there for you,” says Masher. “He never leaves me.”
Besides an opportunity to reach her dream, Mascher feels that Rock the Camp has allowed others to see a different side of her, such as her teachers and friends at Joplin High School. Friends and people she doesn’t know have given her encouragement throughout the contest, she said.
Mascher said she will be thrilled if she wins, but making it to the top 50 has already been a huge honor. No matter what happens, this has been an amazing experience.
“To see that many people supporting me is awesome,” Mascher said. “I appreciate it so much.”
The top 10 contestants will be announced on March 22, where they will be judged by a panel of five, including popular Christian music artist Toby Mac. The winner will open for Toby Mac and be given studio recording time with award-winning producer Paul Ebersold.
Sarah Sticklen is a junior at Joplin High School.
