Update: Two Waterford Residents Finalist In John Lennon Songwriting Contest

Update: Patch has found out two people from Waterford are finalist for the John Lennon International Songwriting Contest: Steve Elci in the children's category and Waterford High School band director in the jazz catagory.

"Thousands of people enter from around the world," Fioravanti wrote in an e-mail to Patch. "There are 12 grand prize winners and 36 finalists. Two of these both reside in Waterford. What are the odds?"

Fioravanti was nominated for his piece "Shuckin' and Swingin'" (video attached). Elci was nominated for his piece "Crayons in a Box."

Original Story:

's song "Crayons in a Box" was just selected as a finalist in the children's category for the John Lennon International Songwriting Contest.

The song is the first single off Elci's new CD of the same name.

This is the second time the children's performer has placed as a runner up in the John Lennon International Songwriting Contest - the first time was last year with "Bicycle" for the first CD called Vowels.

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest "is an international songwriting contest that began in 1997. The Contest is open to amateur and professional songwriters who submit entries in any one of 12 categories. The JLSC is open year-round and features two Sessions -- with 72 Finalists, 24 Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Award Winners and 1 'Song of the Year'," according to its website.

Elci said the song - and the CD - are about diversity, and he has been so busy since he submitted his contest application that he literally forgot about it.

"Then (Thursday) I got the email, and I couldn't believe it," he said.

Elci said the CD's release party will be May 26 at the Waterford Public Library. The CD will be available locally at Pinc in New London. the Children's Museum in Niantic and Stewart's Music in Niantic. It will also be available on music-selling websites like iTunes and Amazon.

He said this recognition is helping build momentum toward his goal is winning a Grammy this year. "I feel like things are in motion," he said. "My goal is to keep the ball moving, by playing as much as I can and getting the word out there."

The Parents’ Choice Foundation for their album Vowels as part of the organization’s spring 2011 awards.

Check out Steve Elci's Facebook page as well.