If you are reading this, it most likely means that you are either a musician or involved in some type of art form. As a person involved in the arts there’s a very good chance that you’ve had a strong desire to create and to share your passion with others ever since you were a child. The thought of achieving fame or even reaching superstar status may have also crossed your mind a few times as well, right?
However, as adult reality sets in and we realize we are not all destined for stardom, many of us choose to be music and arts teachers or pursue other career goals. Only a fortunate few end up having successful careers as performers.
The truth is that seeking fame is a daunting task and is not for the faint of heart. One has to be very driven and determined to make a career as an entertainer. I recently came across a documentary called Fame High by director Scott Hamilton Kennedy, who has always had an appreciation for music videos and musicals. It’s based on the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, also known as LACHSA.
The film follows four LACHSA students for an entire year, showcasing not only how artistic and talented they are but also how challenging life at “Fame High” can be. It features a graceful ballet dancer by the name of Grace Song who had dreams of being a part of the dance program at Julliard. Brittany Hayes is an accomplished harp player and a great singer and songwriter, too. Brit originally lived in Baraboo, Wisconsin with her parents and siblings until her family realized that she could only go so far with the musical training available in the little Wisconsin community. Her mother decided to move to Los Angeles so that Brittany could attend Fame High while the rest of her family remained in Wisconsin. Zak Rios is an amazing pianist — in the film you will see him actually going through the audition process, where over 1,000 students try out for the 150 to 180 available spots. He does his best to balance professional jazz gigs with having to practice and study his demanding curriculum. Ruby McCollister is the budding actress of the group. She explains how she never really fit in at other schools, but all of that changed when she became a student at LACHSA. Ruby grew up around the theater thanks to her parents; Fame High shows her following in their footsteps even though she knows it may mean years as a struggling, starving artist striving to make it to the big time.
Fame High is an enjoyable movie for all ages — very entertaining, motivating, and inspiring. Perhaps you will get a chance to see this wonderful documentary about LACHSA and discover for yourself why it’s called “the Fame High School of the West.”
http://watch.famehighmovie.com/
http://www.self.com/blogs/flash/2013/05/fiveon5-grace-song-talks-to-self-mag-editor.html
