Copyright © 2018 Jocelyn Shipley
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
Shipley, Jocelyn, author
Raw talent / Jocelyn Shipley.
(Orca limelights)
Issued in print and electronic formats.
ISBN 978-1-4598-1834-7 (softcover).—ISBN 978-1-4598-1835-4 (PDF).—ISBN 978-1-4598-1836-1 (EPUB)
I. Title. II. Series: Orca limelights
PS8587.H563R39 2018 jC813'.6 C2017-907696-5
C2017-907697-3
First published in the United States, 2018
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018933741
Summary: In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Paisley has to get over her fear of performing in public if she ever wants to be a famous pop star.
Orca Book Publishers is dedicated to preserving the environment and has printed this book on Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper.
Orca Book Publishers gratefully acknowledges the support for its publishing programs provided by the following agencies: the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Province of British Columbia through the BC Arts Council and the Book Publishing Tax Credit.
Edited by Tanya Trafford
Cover design by Rachel Page
Cover photography by Jonathan Caramanus/Stocksy.com
ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS
www.orcabook.com
Printed and bound in Canada.
21 20 19 18 • 4 3 2 1
Orca Book Publishers is proud of the hard work our authors do and of the important stories they create. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it or did not check it out from a library provider, then the author has not received royalties for this book. The ebook you are reading is licensed for single use only and may not be copied, printed, resold or given away. If you are interested in using this book in a classroom setting, we have digital subscriptions that feature multi user, simultaneous access to our books that are easy for your students to read. For more information, please contact [email protected].
For Iris, Lauren, Lucas, James, Eva and Seth
Contents
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Acknowledgments
An Excerpt from “Billboard Express”
One
One
Help Save Sunflower Farm!
Can you sing? Dance? Play an instrument?
FARMSHINE needs you!
Monday, 4 PM
Room 215
Looks like the posters Jasmeer made and that I helped put up all over the school really worked. The room is buzzing with excitement and energy. After our first planning meeting, word got around and now even more kids want to be involved. We’re on a roll!
Vanessa, who’s in twelfth grade and is head of the organizing committee, is sitting on the teacher’s desk at the front of the room. “Okay, folks, let’s get started!” she says, and we all go quiet. “Thanks for coming today. My family is so, so, grateful that the students of Stonehill High are being so supportive.”
Everybody claps and cheers.
Farmshine is a fundraiser for Sunflower Farm, which has been in Vanessa’s family for generations. Ever since Vanessa’s dad died in a snowmobile accident last spring, her mom has been struggling to manage the farm on her own. A land developer has offered to buy the land, but if we can raise enough money, Vanessa’s mom can hire some workers to help and not have to sell the farm.
We’ve been talking in Socials about the importance of volunteering, so the fundraiser is a perfect idea. It will be a huge effort, but everybody loves Sunflower Farm. It’s one of our local attractions with its fields of flowers, corn and pumpkins, its apple orchard and sugar bush. We all want to help. We’d do it even if we weren’t getting credit for community service hours. Which we totally are, so bonus!
“First off, I’ve got some awesome news to share.” Vanessa jumps off the desk. “Maxine Gaston has agreed to be our MC!”
The room explodes with gasps and shrieks. Maxine Gaston is a big deal. Everybody knows her from her role as Silver Spinner, the alien composer in the blockbuster movie The Lost Song Galaxy. She’s also been in some popular TV series, and she often performs at the Stratford Festival near our town of Stonehill. Most of us have been on a school trip to Stratford and seen her in a play or musical.
“Settle down, settle down,” Vanessa says. “I know it’s exciting. But we’ve got a lot of other work to do. We’re going to need tons of volunteers to run things, so tell your friends. Sound, lighting, backstage, front of house. And, of course, performers!”
Jasmeer pokes me in the ribs. “You’re going to sign up, right?”
I glance over at Heath, Vanessa’s younger brother. I’ve known him since fourth grade, and I've had a crush on him forever. I can’t imagine how sad it must be for him and Vanessa to have lost their dad.
Heath doesn’t look my way. No wonder. He’s sitting beside Cadence Wang. They’ve been a thing since the summer.
Jasmeer pokes me again. “Right, Paisley?”
I really want to help Heath and Vanessa’s family keep their farm. But I don’t want to work backstage or sell tickets or be an usher. I want to perform.
Even though the idea totally terrifies me.
I don’t sing in public. Not anymore.
My dream is to become a successful singer-songwriter. As a first step, I want to audition for our school musical next term. So I kind of have to get over my stage fright.
Farmshine could be my big chance.
“Hello?” Jasmeer says. “You didn’t answer my question.”
She knows how scared I am, although I haven’t told her exactly why. I’m not sure she’d understand. She’s into photography and can hide behind her camera. Up onstage, I’d be totally exposed. My stomach is already feeling woozy.
“Shh! I’m trying to hear what Vanessa’s saying.”
“Don’t forget, everyone, that Farmshine is meant to showcase all the talents Stonehill has to offer. Some of you may not have heard that in addition to the performances onstage, there will also be a ‘Farmer’s Market’ set up during intermission. We’ll have flowers and produce from our farm, as well as crafts and baked goods for sale. So all you bakers and makers out there, be sure to sign up too.”
More cheers and chatter. Vanessa passes around a clipboard with two sheets of paper. When it comes to Jasmeer, she puts her name on both the volunteer and the talent lists. She’s volunteering to design the Farmshine program and set up the Facebook event page. She’s also going to sell cards at the Farmer’s Market made from photos she’s taken of the farm.
“One more thing,” Vanessa says. “We’re still looking for a really big name to headline the show. Any suggestions?”
I’ve got a perfect one. Denzi, a pop star who actually grew up right here in Stonehill. She’s even more famous than Maxine Gaston. And if Denzi came to Farmshine, I’d get to meet her! But the words don’t come out. Not only am I scared to sing onstage, but I also don’t even have the nerve to speak up here.
Heath does though. “How
about Denzi?” he calls out.
Everybody starts chanting, “Denzi! Denzi! Denzi!”
“Whoa!” Vanessa yells. “Awesome idea, little brother! But it’s highly unlikely she’d come. We have to be realistic.”
Cadence stands and waits until everybody is looking at her. “The Sweetland Singers!” she says, flipping her long dark hair. “We’re pretty famous too! And we’re local.”
Not to mention humble. I think I might barf.
“Great suggestion,” Vanessa says. “Thanks, Cade.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll ask our director at rehearsal tonight. Happy to help.” Cadence smiles at Heath. “I’ll probably have a solo. I’ll dedicate it to Sunflower Farm and the memory of Heath and Vanessa’s dad.”
Definitely going to barf.
The Sweetland Singers are famous. They win all kinds of awards at music festivals. And after they won an international competition last summer, their name was added to the welcome sign on the road into town.
Okay, I will confess that I’m totally intimidated by the Sweetland Singers. I auditioned for them shortly after we moved here. Let’s just say it didn’t go well.
Jasmeer passes me the clipboard and pen. “Here you go.”
I take it and read the names on the talent list. There are five pianists, three ballet dancers, a jazz troupe, an a cappella group, two rock bands and a ukulele player. So far.
I try to picture myself in the spotlight. Ready to sing.
But no. Just thinking about it makes me feel naked. And no way am I signing up if the Sweetland Singers are going to be the big-name act.
When Jasmeer isn’t looking, I pass the clipboard on.
After the meeting Jasmeer and I head for our lockers. I’m just about to admit to her that I didn’t sign up for anything when she says, “Oh my god! I’m so excited about Farmshine!”
“Yeah,” I say. “Me too.”
“It’s going to be an amazing show. And I’m so proud of you for signing up! Way to go!”
“Um, about that…”
“Oh, don’t stress over the stage-fright thing at all. I’m going to ask Maxine to coach you.”
I stop and stare at her. “You mean Maxine Gaston, our MC?”
“Yes!”
“Seriously?” I say. “You really think she would?”
Maxine Gaston just happens to be staying at the B&B Jasmeer’s parents run here in Stonehill while her house is being renovated. It’s only a twenty-minute drive from here to Stratford, where she’s currently performing in The Merry Wives of Windsor.
I met her at Thanksgiving dinner at Jasmeer’s place. She’s brilliant. I would love to have her help me overcome my stage fright. But oh wow, just the idea is petrifying.
“Maybe,” Jasmeer says. “I mean, I’m sure she’s super busy, but it can’t hurt to ask.”
Two
If Maxine Gaston will help me with my stage fright, I’ll sign up to sing at Farmshine for sure. But that’s a pretty safe promise. Because of course she’ll say no. And then I’ll just tell Jasmeer I never signed up and I’m never going to. End of story.
But that might mean the end of my singing career. Before it even gets started.
What to do? I wish I could decide.
When I get home from school, my parents are still at work, as usual. Which is fine by me, because it means I can sing with no one listening.
No reminders of what a disappointing daughter I am.
Here’s the thing. My mom teaches music at a university and plays flute with a symphony. When I was little, we took violin lessons together, but it was painful for both of us. After that I did learn some piano and how to read music. She wanted me to play classical composers and take the conservatory exams.
But all I’ve ever wanted to do is sing pop songs.
And my favorites are Denzi’s songs.
Back in fourth grade, when we moved to Stonehill, I didn’t want to leave my friends and the city. But then I found out that Denzi grew up here. She actually went to Stonehill High, same as me. Twenty years ago she was still just a small-town girl called Denise Zenkowski.
If she can make it big, so can I. Right?
Wrong. Because Denzi doesn’t have stage fright. I’ve never seen her in person, but I’ve watched every video of her live concerts. She’s such a confident performer. I am too, but only when I’m home alone, like now.
My mom would freak if she ever saw or heard me singing my heart out. My dad would be okay with it, but then he’d be in trouble with her. She’s a pretty big music snob. If a piece wasn’t written in Europe in, like, the eighteenth century or something, it doesn’t rate.
Anyway, I practice and practice and practice, recording myself on my phone or tablet. Sometimes I do covers, sometimes my own songs. I’ve got notebooks full of lyrics and chords I’ve never shown anyone.
When I watch my videos, I truly believe I can be a star. But then I freeze. Somehow I just have to figure out how to make the move from singing in my bedroom to singing in public.
Jasmeer knows I like to sing, but I’ve never shown her any of my videos. Maybe I should. That might help me get used to other people seeing me sing. Give me the courage to post something on YouTube.
But I’ve only known her since high school started a couple of months ago. And I’m not sure it would make any difference at all. Someone watching me in a music video is not the same as someone watching me live onstage.
And now I’m upsetting myself thinking about all this. Okay, time to sing. That always makes me feel better.
I choose Denzi’s greatest-hits album and sing along, holding my iPod up like a microphone. I know every word by heart. When “Somewhere the Music Shines Bright,” the theme song from The Lost Song Galaxy, starts, I imagine Maxine Gaston introducing me onstage at Farmshine.
I hit the first notes in perfect pitch. I sing with passion to my adoring audience. Things are going great until I imagine my mom sitting in the front row. She looks furious. And right beside her is the director of the Sweetland Singers, horrified.
Suddenly I can’t breathe. I can’t remember the words. Shaking all over, I collapse on my bed.
Oh my god! What if I try to sing at Farmshine and that really happens?
My stage fright started with the Sweetland Singers. When we moved to Stonehill, my mom took me to see them at a summer concert in the park. They sang a variety of songs, folk, classical and world music, not pop. But they were excellent.
Afterward the director, Ms. Winton, announced auditions for their upcoming season for kids aged nine to sixteen. My mom said I should try out, and I agreed—to please her. I figured since I loved singing, I’d get in for sure. And for once she’d be proud of me.
She was so happy driving me to the director’s studio. I still don’t know what she was thinking, letting me go in cold. I mean, she’s a professional musician herself. I was only ten years old and didn’t really understand what an audition was.
But maybe she thought it was more of a voice-placement thing, because I hadn’t been asked to prepare a song. Or maybe she thought the same thing I did. Why wouldn’t they choose me?
When I went in, I was handed a list of audition songs. I picked “Amazing Grace” because it was the only one I knew. Ms. Winton didn’t give me a starting note. She said I should just start singing. So I did. Then she asked me to try it again an octave higher.
My voice went squeaky and flat. I tried again, but now I sounded like a scared cat. I was ready to give it another go, but Ms. Winton said, “Thank you, dear. That will do.”
“Please,” I begged. “One more try?”
She shook her head and showed me to the door. “I’m sorry, but no. You obviously love to sing, and I admire your enthusiasm, but I can’t offer you a place in the Sweetland Singers.”
“But,” I said, “but my mother—”
“Tell your mother you should take some singing lessons. You need to learn to breathe properly and train your voice.”
“And
then you’ll take me?”
She shook her head. “I’m afraid not. We are a treble choir for girls and for boys whose voices haven’t changed. Your range is well below that. Your voice is too low and husky for us.” She put her hand on my arm. “But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t sing. Follow your passion.”
I ran from the studio. My mom was waiting in a room full of other hopeful kids and parents. I held back my tears and smiled.
Instead of the truth, I told my mom it had gone well but that I had decided I didn’t want to be in the Sweetland Singers after all.
She tried to make me change my mind. Which made things worse. I never got up the nerve to admit that Ms. Winton didn’t want me. And my mom’s never gotten over my supposedly turning the Sweetland Singers down.
The memory fades, and I’m back in my room. What if I can never get over my stage fright?
My phone rings. It’s Jasmeer. “Great news,” she says. “Maxine agreed to coach you! You have an hour with her on Saturday afternoon. Be here at two.”
Three
I’m thrilled that Maxine Gaston has agreed to work with me. But I’m also scared to death. By Saturday I’m a hot mess of nerves. I want to cancel, but I feel like I have to go through with it.
When I met Maxine at Thanksgiving dinner, she seemed more like a family member than a guest. Or a celebrity. She was humble and easy to talk to. She told me about working with Denzi on the music for The Lost Song Galaxy and how nice Denzi is.
But that was with Jasmeer and her parents. This will just be Maxine and me. Well, her and me and my stage fright.
I hum to warm up my voice as I walk over to Jasmeer’s place. A new tune drifts around in my head, distracting me with possibilities. Maybe I’ll write some lyrics for it later. But when I finally get to Jasmeer’s house, my new song floats away.
Fear surges back.
I can’t do this.
But I can’t not do this. Most kids would jump at the chance. I’d be crazy to cancel. I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t at least try.
Except…what happens when Maxine Gaston asks me to sing?
Raw Talent Page 1
