As most of you know I grew up in a small town called Gallatin, TN. A few months ago I went back to the local community college Vol State and did a sit down interview for their in house TV station. Well, this morning they sent me the clip and I want to share it with all of you. I have to say it was very emotional for me watching this video. I started crying so hard that I had to pause it because I couldn't see! During the pause, I called my former Choir Director and friend Mr. Story (who now teaches at Vol State). I was balling. I was overcome with joy to see myself talk about how my High School Choir experience changed my life, as well as my peers. I called him to simply say, "Thank You". (OMG I am crying while I am typing this... LOL). While watching this video I replayed the moments in my head, like a movie. I remember auditioning for choir and how excited I was to meet Mr. Story. He was the Simon of my teenage years. Extremely tough, not always fair ;-), with a big heart for kids and music and one of the most influential people of my adolescent life. I remember the moment in High School when I knew I was born to perform. We were doing our Cabaret show and I had gotten sick with the flu. We had a show every night for a week and I refused to give my songs to the understudy. So I went on anyway. I was sick as a dog! So sick, that my mom came backstage and sat with me in between my numbers and helped me get dressed.... (pausing for a cry). I knew then that I had to do this. I didn't know how it was going to happen but I knew I wanted it. I have so many great stories like this that I could share. From High School to the experiences with my best friends in Shadz of U. We were truly inseparable. Our poor mothers... they listened to us sing sometimes for 10 hours straight, in our bedrooms and basements. Those were some of my best childhood memories. I am excited to share this video with all of my fans because this is such a real part of my life and what makes me who I am.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Reflection
To Mr. James Story, I hope I have made you proud and I pray that I have represented you well. Thank you for giving so many years of your life and talent to us little kids at Gallatin High School. I will say that your music program not only changed my life but it probably saved my life, as well as many others. Vol State and the community of Gallatin are so lucky to have you. You are truly a blessing to anyone who is privileged enough to sit in your classroom. Whether they realize it now or 15 years down the road, they will be thankful to you. I am proud to be a part of your legacy. Thank you for sowing good seed in this loud mouth, sassy, smart, and sometimes obnoxious, little bi-racial girl, who's mother also gave you a hard time. Thank you and I Love You! I'll see you at the next cookout!!!
To all of my fans out there, meet James Story. I hope you have someone like him in your life. If you do, call them up and tell them "Thank You". If you haven't discovered that person in your life don't worry you will, or maybe they are already there and you just haven't realized it yet. I tweeted the other day that there is always someone cheering for you.... That is so true. Whether you know it or not... you probably have a James Story in your corner.
To see the episode, please visit the Vol State Presents site. My segment starts at 18 minutes 30 seconds into the show.
Don't just follow your dreams..... Chase them!
Sincerely Kimberley Locke
Follow Kimberley Online:P.S. I will be giving a live performance at Volunteer State Community College in April. Stayed tuned for more information!!!
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