Sunflower Music Festival

If you're thinking about getting involved and learning a little something about music as well then the Sunflower Music Festival is for you!

The festival runs from June 7th to June 15th, 2013. It's being held at White Concert Hall located in Washburn University.

This festival offers a great chance to singers ages 16-26 to be included. You have to apply to the Blanche Bryden Summer Institute for admission.
This includes:

• A youtube video audition
• Letter of Request if you're applying for scholorship
• and a $25 non refundable fee for the application

If you're serious about a music career this opportunity would be perfect!

This audition would focus on some things I've been talking about in previous posts like being prepared, what to wear, confidence, and many many more.

If you're interested in this activity go to the website: Sunflower Music Festival for more information!

Been Denied and You're afraid to try Again?

Believe it or not, denial is just part of the music process. But sometimes people get denied for things they shouldn't be and it really puts a damper on your self-esteem and how you feel about your talent.

For me, I've been denied for multiple different times, not because I don't have the talent but because of my wight; yes I'm morbidly obese.

When I was a sophomore in high school I tried out for the elite music group. Although I thought my audition went amazing, but I didn't get into the group.

Determined to show that I belonged I started to do everything I could to improve myself vocally. While at my last concert for the school year, my grandpa decided to ask my teacher what else I could do to help me improve and he heard the worst news ever.... I was discriminated against because of my weight.

The teacher in charge of the audition denied me because she was worried they wouldn't be able to find a dress in my size... the only problem with her answer is the dresses are specially made to fit anyway.

When I heard the news all I wouldn't to do was give up... How could I be discriminated against because of my weight with my amazing talent?

I fought back. Instead of not doing anything about the situation I fought back. No one, and I mean NO ONE deserves to be discriminated against when they have talent.

My family was supporting me 100% in my decision to fight back. While moving our way through talking to the school officials in the district the hardest one to persuade was the principle,  but it didn't take very long for him to change his mind. He heard me sing a solo at the Christmas concert, Where are you Christmas, and that's all he needed to change his mind. He pulled me aside to apologize and tell me I have his full support. Soon after the teacher was forced to resign and the end of the year and all of sudden other students were stepping up and saying they were discriminated against as well.

If I would have given up I would have never been seen as a talented person. I do not regret my decision in any way. Although I still have to deal with discrimination today I'm handling it a lot better knowing that people support me.

Never give up on your talent, if you do you'll never know what could have been.

audition clothes?!

One of the biggest stresses in an audition is what to wear! But don't worry, I have some amazing ideas for you.

Now the type of clothes you wear to an audition depend on the type of audition you have. Hopefully you know if you can wear more casual clothes or formal.

But here are some guidelines:

• don't wear anything that shows off your 'goodies'
• don't wear anything you wouldn't wear to church or in front of your grandparents
• always get a second opinion on your outfit
• make sure you feel and look comftorable
• if you're going to wear high heels, make sure you can walk in them
• when wearing makeup, make sure it's not excessive
• if you have any facial body piercings or tattoos make sure they're covered up 

Audition Tips for the Unprepared

After reading this article I've come to see, that I'm even unprepared for auditioning. Even though this article is aimed more for people who want to do some type of music with their life and not for fun, it can also be used for people who just want to use music to have fun.

This article talks about tips for your portfolio and your head-shot photo. It also goes on to talk about things to do during your audition and how to present yourself. It is a very good read and not very long so I STRONGLY recommend you read it.

Here's the link: Musical Theater Audition Tips

It's Christmas Time!

In almost every community the time to celebrate Christmas has already started! Here in Topeka, KS, there's multiple ways to get into the Christmas spirit musically but there's one in particular  I would like to share with you.

The Topeka Civic Theater and Academy is presenting A Christmas Story until the 23rd of December. Many of us have seen the movie but seeing the live play will be even better!

For people who are wondering about the atmosphere of being involved musically in your community this would be the perfect time to test the waters. You'll be able to see how people transform themselves into a different person by acting.

Although I'm pretty sure this isn't a musical it will still give you an insight to what acting is like because of course, when you sing you act.

You can look at the dates of the show and the prices at the link here: Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy

Bellow is also a map if you are interested.


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