Students Get An Inside Look at FOX's American Idol

On Wednesday, March 25, 2009, thirty music students from two Education Through Music-LA Partner Schools - St. Sebastian and Madison Elementary - attended a dress rehearsal for the popular TV show American Idol, on FOX.  A FOX Executive had learned about the work of Education Through Music-LA to provide music instruction to underserved schools - and wanted to reach out to give these kids an opportunity they may otherwise not have. 

ETM-LA students, their parents, and accompanying teachers were ecstatic to be guest audience members and to be able to witness the production firsthand.  As they entered the CBS studio, they were in disbelief at being only within several feet from the stage where the Top 10 Idols would perform shortly.  They noticed the instrumental musicians seated on tiers above the stage, and identified the different instruments that make up the band.

As Idol host Ryan Seacrest entered the studio, the audience cheered.  Mr. Seacrest approached the ETM-LA group and greeted Executive Director, Victoria Lanier and all the students and parents.  He made the students feel welcome with his winsome personality and charm, and even commented on Principal Ed Hermeno's "skinny tie," calling him "the coolest principal."

The Top 10 contestants were gracious towards the audience and their fans during the rehearsal. Fans of Anoop Desai, an Idol from North Carolina, waved "Anoop-dog" signs, while Adam Lambert, a Los Angeles native, received shouts of "I love you, Adam!" from his fans.  All 10 Idols demonstrated professionalism as well as joy for being a part of this tremendous experience.  As each Idol ran through their numbers, the audience saw how the production team carefully coordinated all the details from lighting, to sound, to choreographing entrances and exits.

Daniel, a Madison Elementary student exclaimed, "I wish I could play and sing like that!"  His father was grateful, sharing, "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank You!" Chala Cuevas, mother of eighth-grader Michael, shared in the Idol excitement.  When asked who her favorites were, she responded, "Most of them.  I liked Danny (Danny Gokey, Wisconsin) and Anoop.  Out of the ladies I liked Lil Rounds (Arizona) the most."  She spoke of the importance music has for her son and his class: "Music helps them, because they enjoy music...and have the freedom to express themselves.  Music is very important."

Mr. Hermeno shared, "[This trip] opened their eyes to another world that they can be a part of, whether they want to go into music and explore their musical talent or if they want to go into production, or TV;  now they at least see what it's like on the inside, which is an opportunity they never would have had."  He adds, "We can take for granted how easy it all seems when we see it on TV, but it really happens in stages and with a lot of work put into it, which I think is important for kids to understand."

ETM-LA was founded in 2006 as the first program in the nation based on the Education Through Music model that has been successful for over 18 years in New York.  ETM-LA now serves 7 partner schools, reaching approximately 1750 Los Angeles youth.  St. Sebastian Teacher, Lucia Jameson reflects, "Education Through Music-LA has been a great addition to our curriculum. The kids have been given wonderful opportunities, from the exposure that they have to music and the fantastic teachers, to this experience today of American Idol. These kids come from different backgrounds -music really inspires them and motivates them and gives them a different perspective."

The visit to American Idol was a treat and a beacon of hope and joy for these students.  8th Grader, Emily, said, "it was fun and such a special experience."  Kevin, another 8th Grader, shared, "if you try really hard on something, you can learn it, you know.  It makes you feel proud of yourself when you're just like playing guitar and you can show other people.  It was inspiring."

Education Through Music-Los Angeles thanks FOX and all the folks at American Idol for the special experience!