Don't think you've got a talent you can turn into a career? Check out one band's story and turn your talent into a job victory.

The Arts Was On Their Side!
By Carole J. Brandi
December 2001

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- When Jon J. met three guys in the elementary choir school, little did he know that later in life, he'd actually still be their bandmate. That's how it began for the acapello band, Ball in the House. Early on, the band members sang at big-name events, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, weddings, and funerals. By the time Jon J entered high school, however, he felt 'played out.' That is, until he went to college.

His zest for music and melody rekindled, however, when he entered Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, and major in music. It was there that the rest of the band took shape and became the six virtuosos they are today. But it didn't happen overnight.

"Everybody was better singers than instrumentalists," says Jon J., "since most of us had performed in apace groups in high school and college." It's no wonder Jon J. advocates apace opportunities to aspiring high school singers. "That's where we got our start!"

"At first it was fun, but then we started to play around with a sound system and did vocal drums and vocal bass. We realized this was a very viable means of being a band and not just a gimmick."

From there, they decided to get some exposure by playing for students. "We started out performing at high schools in Boston on our own, just asking for free shows so we could gain some exposure," says Jon J.

Then, the band found out about a program called Young Audiences, which they worked with in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. "It's a cultural arts program that uses funds to showcase groups that are entertaining and educational for students."

Showcasing everything from dance to music to storytelling, the program allowed the group to perform for 45 minutes. "We performed five to seven songs, and in between, we talk about what we do, how we make the music using the system, other opportunities in the [music] business, etc. Kids then get a chance to direct the discussion."

One such tidbit of advice that Jon J. likes to give is about acappella opportunities. "That's where we got our start," he explains.

One thing's for sure, says Jon J. -- "When you are doing something creative with the arts, you don't always have a set path." For those headed to college, he advises, "You have to really believe in yourself because there's going to be things that will get you down. Stick with whatever you're doing. And, make contacts wherever possible. They can be a foot in a door you never thought you'd get into."