by Gary Powell
The media loves to tell the story of the naturally talented performer “discovered†by chance. This one myth, however, has done more harm than good in promoting business infrastructures that favor chance over discipline, luck over persistence, and style over substance. Even a more insidious result this myth can cause is to push the truly gifted performers, composers, or artists many times, and understandably, to simply exit the premises to avoid the inbred structure of nepotism and pretense.
Enter eleven-year-old Kenna Chris into my life and on to the music scene in the spring of 2009. What I’ve learned is different about Kenna, after having been her vocal-coach and music teacher since then, is that she loves to sing so much that she looks forward to the work required of her. Someday, with her permission, I’ll post the video of how she started as a singer. Kenna is also a dancer and actress, and is happy to do whatever is required in developing all her talents.
I couldn’t be more proud of this wonderful person. Kenna brings light and happiness in my life and I always look forward to her sessions in the recording studio. I’ve written a song for Kenna that will be available on iTunes later this spring.
I hope you will become involved in supporting wonderful people like Kenna–these singers who come through my studio and life hoping for something more than just mythology. This is real – and in this studio we investigate the idea that music is deeper than fame and that it enriches beyond bedazzlement. Bravo, Kenna.
Discipline is one of the most important concepts for adults to teach children in our culture where impulsiveness is rewarded and practicing is becoming a lost art. This discipline that Kenna Chris and Gary Powell have demonstrated in their relationship as teacher and student is what makes them both experience the best parts of themselves. The human action of discipline results in our best expression. Amy Person, Psychotherapist http://persontherapy.com
Wow! So lovely. So captivating. So…real. Thank you for sharing this moment with me. I am moved by how connected the singer (lovely Kenna) is to the song, how she flat out nails it in every way. This production is a must see, and I hope you have shared it with many others. Since it’s on youtube.com, I’m guessing you did. A fine job for sure. Thank you! http://helendarling.com
This note via email from my longtime friend, singer and confidant, Susan Lincoln:
“Thank you so much for sharing –
What an angel – such a rich understanding of commitment to presence and meaning and beauty and innocence and what a perfect song –
so glad you are on this earth!”
lovelovelove
Susan Lincoln
http://www.hildegirls.com/susan.html
Wow, she is amazing at 13. At 13 I was still singing like a little mouse during my voice lessons. :lol: Thanks for posting such a fun video for us all to see some of the magic that takes place in your amazing studio. I wish Kenna much success!!
I am thrilled and overjoyed to see such raw and natural talent. I was so inspired by the delight she has while singing…her sweet and easy spirit was captivating. Press on girl and keep at it. Don’t lose your love for music!
Amazing! I wish it reminded me of me, but no such luck :-). Press on Kenna. We want to hear and see more of you and your terrific talent.
so lovely, kenna. it was pleasure to watch and listen. a real inspiration. you made my day!
Beautiful!!! Simply Beautiful in every respect! She is charming and has a sparkling voice and vocal presentation. Thanks Gary for introducing her work to me. Karan