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This year we have a very special group let me introduce them....
The class this year includes 2 extremely experienced Immortals, Laura Keim(17) and Zach DeHart(17). They personify talent and performance. They also understand deeply why musicians do what they do.
Zach is so talented on the guitar that he amazes his audience every time the Immortals perform. His singing and his continued improvement on stage only add to the already professional package he is. His ability to play all genres from rock to jazz to brazilian make him very unique. His motor skill and technique are the best I've ever seen. He can play comfortably in any environment and is above all...musical. His playing touches you! He also sees a challenge in different styles and is not afraid of something new. Zach can process new info with incredible efficiency and can be playing a new piece in a new style almost instantly. For my part in his learning and my time with him here at LMI...I am very grateful.
Laura is a veteran perfomer whose solid on stage sense ensures success in very high stress environments. Over the years she has learned true poise, grace and the ability to pour herself out to her audience. She rehearses incessantly. I know because she lives here. The most critical learning time is the time you put in on your own and Laura puts in a ton of it. She knows who she is and what she wants to be; and I am sure she will achieve it. Laura has a groove to her singing and bass guitar playing that is smooth at silver. She emits pure energy on stage but tempers it with a deep talent honed in dedication. This is her last year but her presence will be felt in the Immortals for years to come.
The contributions of Laura and Zach are truly realized when I see then efforts of the others in this year's group. All the Immortals this year are very special people!
David Kennedy(17), brought in late last year, personifies what it means to be an Immortal at LMI. He practices what he is supposed to, when he is supposed to and always demonstrates a positive attitude. David plays guitar and bass guitar with great skill. He is a very knowledgable musician having taken instruction here since 2007. His performances are always solid and his musical knowledge is second to none (except Julia Hiser and that's just not fair). When David is presented with something new that can make him better...he works at it and uses it. The Immortals are lucky to have David and I truly believe he has the character, talent and ability to be heard in this world.
Julia Hiser(15) also represents the ideal of the Immortals. Passionate about being the best she can be, Julia is always ready for the next challenge. She has steadily increased her musicianship on the piano and ability behind the microphone. Julia sings with intensity and her audience feels it. Each new number she sings with the Immortals is an instant "Immortals" classic because of her practice. Julia practices. She practices singing and playing constantly and it shows. Each little piece of coaching and technique finds its way into her approach. Julia can process and apply very quickly. This and her natural ability together make her a winner. Julia is auditioning for American Idol on in July 2011 and I think we'll all hear from her on TV. Let's not forget though that her musicianship goes deep with jazz and blues piano too...hopefully for all of us she gets to sing and play once or twice!
Joseph Keim(15) is our frontline drummer in the Immortals 2011. He is constantly reinventing how he plays the drums and is never satisfied. His ability to add layers without crowding the beat is really unique. He also lays back and lets the band play. He listens to some the best groovin' drummers...Aaron Spears, Bernard Purdie, Gerald Hayward, Marvin McQuitty and others AND knows "good feel" when he hears it. He is also a band oriented drummer and finds ways of challenging himself while just accompanying the group. I think this approach comes from also singing and playing the piano. The musicians perspective helps him understand his role as a drummer. When it's time to solo though...look out.
Tyler Scheerschmidt (14) is our newest Immortal. Tyler earned Immortal status through constant practice, talent, dedication and good attitude. He is full of fire and passion for performing and is a wonderful addition to the group. He has been ready with every single thing I have asked of him since the day I met him. When you see him perform you will remember! He is a flash of light when he performs! He is carrying on the standard of the Immortals and then some.
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