Having been in that situation I can bet its "who you know" or who's cousin's kid has a new band and they'll do it for free for the "exposure" etc. Its 99% political. And the people on the committtee ( I HATE that word!!)) usually don't know how to judge talent or what will really work in the live situation.
Keep on plugging and good luck.
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Bill in SC --- Roland BK9 (2) Roland BK7M, Roland PK5 Pedals, Roland FP90, Roland CM30 (2), JBL Eon Ones (2) JBL 610 Monitor, Behringer Sub, EV mics, Apple iPad (2) Behringer DJ mixer