iJustine and Judge Judy: infoMania

This week on infoMania, Kathie Lee celebrates Cinco de Mayo by beating the hell out of a piñata. Sarah Haskins checks out Washington’s most talked about body part. Sergio Cilli brings you a very rockin’ edition of the White Hot Top 5. Ben Hoffman chats with his i-Dol, i-Justine. And we give President a few TV-inspired ideas for a Supreme Court nomination.

Michael Jackson’s First Public Appearance Was At School Program In First Grade

Michael Jackson’s First Public Appearance Was At School Program In First Grade

Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on a late summer night on August 29, 1958; the seventh of nine children. Father Joe Jackson was born in Arkansas. In 1949 Joe married Katherine Scruse, whose people are from Alabama.

Joe Jackson had his own band, “The Falcons”, they would practice after work in the living room of their house in Gary. Joe soon discovered the talent of his sons and founded the family band “The Jacksons”. They would later become “The Jackson 5″. Little Michael always watched his brothers rehearse – when he was about 5 years old he joined the group and became the lead singer of The Jackson 5.

Michael’s first public appearance was at a school program in the first grade in 1963 [Garnett Elementary School in Gary]. Wearing black pants and a white shirt, he sang “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from The Sound of Music. The reaction was overwhelming. Michael: “When I finished that song, the reaction in the auditorium overwhelmed me. The applause was thunderous and people were smiling; some of them were standing. My teachers were crying and I just couldn’t believe it. I had made them all happy. It was such a great feeling. I felt a little confused too, because I didn’t think I had done anything special. I was just singing the way I sang at home every night. When you’re performing, you don’t realize what you sound like or how you’re coming across. You just open your mouth and sing.”

Soon Joe was grooming the band for talent contests. Michael: “We’d perform for him and he’d critique us. If you messed up, you got hit, sometimes with a belt, sometimes with a switch. My father was real strict with us – real strict.” At the age of 6, Michael and the Jackson 5 started collecting trophies with their act at various talent shows or amateur nights.

Michael Jackson Moonwalker HD

Clip From Moonwalker, funny cartoon.

PS22 Chorus “MAN IN THE MIRROR” Michael Jackson

ps22chorus.blogspot.com Here is the PS22 Chorus singing what is probably the most requested song of the year from both the kids and their fans — “Man in the Mirror” by the late Michael Jackson. This performance was filmed at the kids’ graduation ceremony today, and the kids definitely went out in style!! No doubt, it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to this crew….. Fortunately we have a few more days before school ends, and there will be more vids to come from the kids of the amazing PS22 Chorus of 2010, before they turn over the reins to the up-and-coming 2011 group! Make sure you catch the kids on Friday morning on the CBS Early Show — they will be singing “Man in the Mirror” on the second hour of the broadcast as part of a tribute to MJ! And before that, you’ll be able to catch yet another professionally filmed performance of the song on Newsweek’s website tomorrow morning! On both appearances, you will also hear the kids talking about how they were affected by both Michael’s life and death. It’s very moving stuff, so stay tuned!! And most importantly of all, a BIG welcome back to Alyssa O.!!! Better late than never, eh???

Tips For Finding a Local Music School in Your Community

There are many advantages to involving your child in music. Participation in music can lead to increased creative thinking, better math skills, and greater interest in the performing arts. In addition, nurturing your child’s musical talents will teach him or her of your support and will boost your child’s confidence. Music involvement also encourages discipline.

When it comes time for your child to apply to colleges, having a history of music education will improve their chances for admission to their desired school. Music gives kids many advantages.

Music schools are also a great way to expand your own creative world. Many schools accept adult students, and you might find that taking classes at a local music school is the perfect way to add some creative spark to your life.

However, finding a good music school isn’t always an easy task. Music schools do not always advertise like other organizations. How can you find a music school in your community?

Look Online

Doing a search for local music schools may turn up several great candidates, especially if you live in a metropolitan area. When you’ve found a list of local music schools in your area, do a search for each specific school. You might be surprised by the reviews you find from other parents and students, and this information can help in your decision.

Online searches for music schools have many advantages, but one possible disadvantage is that not all music schools advertise online or have a web page. It’s becoming increasingly likely that more music schools will have an online presence, but you might miss out on a great one if you limit your research to the Internet.

Check with Your University

Universities and community colleges often offer music programs. Call the music department of your local college and ask if they offer any kind of music education for children or adults. Often, the educators at these schools are top notch.

If your local college or university does not have a music program available, ask if they can recommend any specific music schools in the area. Since members of the music department staff at these schools have many professional connections, they might be able to offer some great insight on where to look for a great music school.

Ask Your Child’s Teacher for a Recommendation

Your child’s music teacher is a great resource when it comes to finding a music school, especially one that specializes in teaching music to children. If you are looking for a music school for your child, his or her teacher will also have special insight into which type of school might best address your specific needs.

Even if you are looking for a music school for yourself, your child’s music teacher is probably well connected in the music community in your area. He or she may have some great ideas on where you can go for your musical education.

Advantages of a Local Music School

Finding a local music school provides many advantages, including the following:

- A music school that is local means that you spend less time commuting between your home and music school. You can use this extra time to practice your music lessons.

- A local music school also means you save on the price of traveling between the music school and your residence. High fuel costs will not add to the price of your lessons.

- Enrolling in a local music school can provide you with great local social connections.

- When you attend a local music school, you are supporting your local economy and the creative arts scene.

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