ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. I've enjoyed singing, painting, acting, and dancing all of my life. However, when it came to singing in front of people, I was very shy. When I began attending college I was determined to take voice lessons. And so, during my years at the community college and private University I took private voice lessons and joined the local church choir. It took a lot of courage to say yes to something that I didn't think was possible. And I don't have any regrets. I love to sing. As Saint Hildegard says " She/He who sings, prays twice." Singing is the ultimate prayer and I enjoy sharing my blessings with whom ever wants to listen.
Singing is a very intimate and personal expression. I come most alive when I'm on stage sharing my "heart" and voice with the audience. Music is truthful; you expose who you are (good and bad) to people you may or may not know. I love this aspect of music even though it can be scary sometimes. You hope the audience will connect with you and that you will connect with the audience. I love when "we " connect. Our minds, bodies and souls are raised to a higher level of awareness. It's a spiritual experience.
Everyone wants to feel good, and music can help accomplish this feeling. Great music will make you feel a sense of enlightenment and peace. It lifts your spirits. If you're in a bad mood, music miraculously changes our attitude from negative to positive and calm. That is why I believe music is very important for ALL people, especially the poor and disadvantaged.
Unfortunately, sometimes the importance of music, art and educational books can be underestimated. Many children and young people are not given the opportunity to own and learn how to play an instrument because it is not thought as an necessity. If this is true, how do we explain the following quotation from Poncho, a non-profit educational arts center in Seattle, Washington "It costs between $900 and $1100 annually to provide one child with non-school arts programming; it costs between $36,000 and $100,000 annually to pay for a young person in trouble."*
Wouldn't it be better to fund art programs for children and young adults than to pay for a young person in jail? I'm not saying that it is our only answer to stop children from giving up and become troubled or dangerous adults. We all know that the best way to get a healthy and strong adult, is first by offering a happy and loving home and a structured educational environment in the classroom and at after school programs and/or Faith Youth Groups. And I believe, music, art and literature is an important tool in securing the future of your youth.
That is why I have decided to do something about it!! The proper education is vital for every child to have a bright future. Learn more about how I am making a difference for our youth and how you can too. Just click on the Partnerships link at the bottom of this page. Thank you for your support, because without all of you, the fans, none of this would be possible. God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Laura Dahl
*Laura does not endorse or support Poncho or their services in any way. The quotations were obtained from their website for educational purposes only. www.poncho.org arts education fund. "Did you Know" 12 - 2004.
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