Yes, LA was a nice surprise

We did make it to Los Angeles and the auditioning convention--iPOP--International Presentation of Performers, it was a wonderful experience.  I was unable to update this blog because I was so busy before the event working part time, rehearsals with drives to Seattle, parenting and supporting a very busy high school student...FUNDRAISING.. (!!!!!) At the iPOP event we all were awarded trophies for various skills, featured as singers in a huge showcase, and made contact with several agents who were personally interested in us.

Just a note: even though the huge, yes international (there was a group from China in addition to UK & Europe), event is very focused on auditioning youth--my advice: never go through all the agony of preparation and the financial angst to take a child to iPOP UNLESS you truly are prepared to spend a lot of money and time later traveling to and/or living in Los Angeles. Yes, there are truly legitimate agents there and Yes, there are many success stories regarding children and their rise in an acting career. I am just saying, no matter how beautiful and talented your child is, even with the exposure of iPOP there is still afterward,  hard work, stress and financial outlay...and years (years) of auditioning ahead.

It is now 2012. Maria has moved to Los Angeles. A college graduate with an LA job that provides medical benefits and a flexible schedule, she carefully planned her move to LA. She lives in a house with like-minded roommates and has a new support zone of friends and church activity. She has beautiful headshots, a resume and has been to several auditions. She has had a featured role in an Independent short film. She is "working her plan".

James received a lot of agent attention at iPOP and was featured in an "audition only" showcase as a singer, which included and audience of screaming girls, his image on big flat-screen monitors, etc, etc.... He has since co-written and professionally recorded a song. Listen to it at www.HowDidYouKnow.viinyl.com and he has had private vocal coaching from the vocal coach of several American Idol finalist. Like AI finalist, David Archuleta, James has chosen to pause his whirlwind life for two years to serve full-time as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will resume his music career in the Fall of 2013.

Since iPOP, I have been singing with two different 19-piece swing bands and have been gaining strength in my voice. I have done some auditioning in the Seattle area where we still reside and have been featured in a national TV commercial filmed in LA, with stunningly lucrative compensations including a first class flight and driver.

Preparing for iPOP was one of the most huge, frightening and exhilarating thing I have done in a while. A fabulous growth experience in many ways for myself, Maria and James.  It was a very humbling experience as well to receive the deep support of family and friends. We have been blessed. I won't be writing in this blog any longer. I have a new one called Inspired2Succeed. I am moving forward in my goals. Struggling. Despairing. Procrastinating. And still moving forward. ---Best Wishes, Andrea