Sophomore belts out soul

By Calla Mounkes

September 07, 2006

Walking through the halls of Silver Lake High School, many clattering sounds can be overheard in the din of high school activity: students being berated by an agitated teacher; the stomping feet of teenagers sprinting across the hall, ever-eager to get to their classes; the banging of locker doors; and the dull thud of books being dropped on a desktop. However, if lucky, you may encounter the more dulcet tones of a choir student.

Sophomore Kayla Lowrey, a Select Choir student, has spent her entire life singing for all to hear. She has finally harvested the true flowers of her efforts—she has been invited to an “entertainment boot camp” in Los Angeles. Her family has worked their whole lives to propel her to this point.

Her voice coach, Skip Ellis, recommended his two top students to audition for Best New Talent. Lowrey made the top five out of 30. She will compete in Los Angeles Oct. 20 through Oct. 22.

Ellis said he chose Lowrey for the audition because he recognized a definite thirst for success and undeniable talent in Lowrey.

"Kayla is very dedicated at pursuing her goal of being a professional performer. In order to achieve goals, people must believe in themselves even if they have doubts.

"Kayla has enormous talent for being so young. An important thing for a voice teacher is to help find the path a student’s voice wants to go and give encouragement for him or her to follow that path," said Ellis.

Lowrey will attend an "entertainment boot camp" for young hopefuls in the industry. She will compete in the categories of singing, acting, commercials, and talk show host.

Lowrey's enthusiasm is a clear reflection of her ardor for entertainment and the need to succeed in the craft.

"I'm excited more than anything. I'm not going to hold anything back because I know that you can't be famous just singing in the bathroom," said Lowrey.

She also hopes to see some results because of her zeal for her talents.

"I hope to get an agent or a manager. Most of the kids that go there get signed because it's a big enough of a deal to get invited there. I'll hopefully get recognized for something.

"I'm looking forward to the experience. Little local stuff in Silver Lake isn't always the best way to get you out there. Just more for my repertoire," expressed Lowrey.

Lowrey said her family has always told her she could sing before she could even talk. Her family's involvement with singing could be the reason.

"Singing has always been in my family, on both sides, and just seeing them in front of crowds just mesmerized me. I just knew that was what I wanted to do," said Lowrey.

Her young start singing catalyzed her to success.

"I've been in choir every year of junior high school and both my freshman year and this year. When I was little, I was told I should audition for a part in 'The Sound of Music.' I got the part of Marta von Trapp. It was in second grade actually," said Lowrey.

Lowrey's early victories spawned immediate preferences in music that reflect her soulful personality.

"I like to sing blues, jazz, and R&B...songs with a meaning; I don't really like singing things that people can't relate to because that's boring," Lowrey elaborated.

She said her love of music is born from the freedom of expression associated with it.

"Singing is my favorite because I can put myself into the song. I can express almost any feeling I have at the time,” said Lowrey.

Lowrey's love of music is apparent, but she also harbors an affection for acting. The idea of impersonation lured Lowrey to the art.

"I like to play parts that aren't me. I can increase my ability in doing better things. I get to be somebody that I'm not every day," said Lowrey.

Often times, prodigies derive their need for success from family. Lowrey is no exception. She was greatly motivated by her grandmother.

"My grandma influenced my singing. She was always my rock, always telling me that I could do it. She was never negative. When she passed away, she told me that she could hear me singing in heaven. I don't think I could sing if she hadn't said that. Her not being here is hard enough, but since she reassured me that really helped," said Lowrey.

Along with the traditional inspirational stocks of close family, Lowrey has celebrity idols including Christina Aguilera and Cheyenne Kimball.

"I have a lot of inspirational people. Christina Aguilera, she has some pipes! I really think she is an amazing vocalist. For personality, Cheyenne Kimball is really down to earth and not too much of a showgirl, kind of the girl next door," said Lowrey.

All of these penchants add up to one holistic idea--Lowrey's love of singing and ultimately, Lowrey.

"I cannot see myself doing anything but entertainment. It doesn't have to be singing or acting--I love it and that is definitely what I would go for. I just like being around people and being in front of them," said Lowrey.

With her love, she realizes that the entertainment industry isn't always pleasant. Letdowns happen, too.

"My family is always telling me not to cry because if I want to make it in this industry I have got to have that attitude. I just can't stop what I love to do," said Lowrey.