Journal Entry One - On my first day, Saturday, I along with the other three contestants attended the Special Merit Ceremony. It was an amazing experience to see that there were great musicians who really put their whole lives into the work that they did. Allen Toussaint, Blind Boys of Alabama, Fender, George Avakian, and the Four Tops were all amazing inspirations of music who changed, shaped and recognized that music was so much more. As a musician myself, I have learned so much- that music has the power to change the world. Music can make thoughts into ideas, ideas into dreams, and dreams into realities. These honored musicians who were given lifetime achievement awards were truly blessed with a gift to share their knowledge of music with the world. So, why shouldn’t we?
These great people created their music on their own to help people. It was their efforts and passion that gave them this great honor to show what music is really about. Music can bring change. So, after the ceremony, the other contestants, Jordyn, Lori, Nate and I, all went to the Nominees Reception party afterwards. There, I met some great people, got some autographs (George Avakian and the Blind Boys of Alabama), and had some of the best food I have ever had! While there, we listened to the Grammy Jazz Ensemble (high school students like us who were chosen from across the country- the best of the best high school musicians- to play at the Grammy’s). Those high school students, along with us, will be the leaders of tomorrow, the next Grammy nominees, the next great musicians in history. I am so thankful that Jordyn, Lori, and the rest of Do Something believe in all of us, and in our projects. Through their support, we gain confidence, courage, strength, and passion towards goals that look unreachable, but are more attainable when we just need that extra “boost” to reach the “cookie jar”.
Through their help, my project and my dreams are possible; therefore, it makes me want to succeed even more! The more people I have behind my back and supporting me, the more I feel that I must NOT let them down and try even harder so that my success can be that much greater. That is why giving these children in Ethiopia, in Mekele School for the Blind, a music opportunity is so important because this gives THEM hope to pursue their own goals that they didn’t even think about before - by dreaming bigger and taking their dreams to new steps towards their journey to success.
Sometimes it means so much to give something small. You never know, giving one guitar pick can turn into a formation of a band, into many shows and concerts, and then into something global; a crusade of greater achievement! In turn, when these children become successful in the brighter future, because they were thankful for what they were given, they can help out others who are needy as well, and thus, set off a chain reaction.
It is true that music is an art, but to me, it is so much more. Through learning how to play music, these children can really appreciate and understand what music is truly about. Agh, I’m getting a little off track here, but anyways. During the party, we also met a great artist who did most of the art for the Grammy Awards, and we all got signed autographs from him, and he even got our autographs as well! Are we on our way to success as well? It is good to see that success is coming closer to our path, however, do not underestimate it. We must work even harder. When we think we have crossed the finish line, it is definitely not over. For we have many other races to run and obstacles to overcome. So, therefore, it is always best to try your hardest no matter what condition you are in; good or bad. After meeting the celebrities and having a fine dinner, we went back to our hotel and slept to await the long day that was to come…
Journal Entry Two - Day two has come! I’ve been keeping and recording as many video logs as possible. Even though I have just met the other winners along with Lori and Jordyn from Do Something, it feels that they are really like family to me. We all were brought together not only for our love and passion for music, but for our goal to explore community service and to better the world using our bright talents. This is the goal for the next generation, for OUR generation. I am so glad that Lori and Jordyn truly and honestly believe in us…
Alright! It’s show time! Let’s head out; Leora joined up with us during breakfast and now our family is now complete! We all have different projects, different goals, and we are unique and totally different in our own way, but we all share the same interest in music and helping others in need. So, there we stood on the Red Carpet. Wow, I couldn’t believe what was happening. I then thought to myself, “You know, I deserve this, we all do, I mean, why else are we here, because we earned it, and let’s be proud!” We should be proud, we’re helping those in need through music, and people must know. We had around 12 interviews lined up, and we were ready to go! We were escorted by Shantelle to get more publicity about our projects, Do Something, Key Change Grants, and the Grammy Foundation.
After, we also attended the Pre-telecast show where the presented over 100 awards. Afterwards, we found our seats in the Staples Center, and we watched the show. The show was simply amazing and I was very impressed from all of the performances. I loved Sugarland’s “Stay,” and Paul McCartney’s performance. These musicians were very successful and truly shaped the community of music. However, Coldplay to me seemed the strongest to help those in need with their program, “Make Trade Fair.” I feel that if you are truly thankful for the opportunities, the gifts, and chances that you were given, you must respectfully give to others so that they can be thankful for the chances that you gave to THEM! Then in turn, this would start a chain reaction of helping those in need so that more and more people can become successful and happy. Success is hard to achieve and there are just so few who achieve it. But when people just give them one small boost, it can go a long way to helping their cause and maybe give them that much confidence to do something wonderful.
After the Telecast show, we went down to the LA Convention center to Jimmy Jam’s Celebration Party. There, I was told that Jimmy Jam was very proud of all of the winners of the Key Change Grant and congratulated us. In addition, Death Cab for Cutie, Robin Thicke, and some other artists congratulated us, and want to further our projects by meeting us in the future which I am very excited for. In addition, I have been keeping good contact with the famous rock band called, Collective Soul. They are very interested in my project and want to meet with me to work on something to help move the project to the next level.
My generation is to be a great one, and I believe that I have the power to be great, and to do great things. From the Grammy Tele-cast show, the president of the Grammy Foundation said, “It is really important that we all know that music can make a difference. The Music Cares program gives many ‘opportunities’ to needy musicians by making them into popular superstars and making their dreams come true…” Now isn’t this what life is all about? Helping, aiding, and giving “opportunities”. As long as we have a dream and put your soul into it, I promise you, I PROMISE YOU! your dream will not only be accomplished but it will blossom into a beautiful flower which will live on eternally throughout the decades to come. I have realized my strength and everyone else has it too. You just need to find it. The process might be difficult, but through your friends, family and supporters, anything is possible as we unite to accomplish great projects to help the world.
“Do Something!”
