Free Solo Star by Cindy Jefferies Page B

could be better than interest from a recording company?
    â€œThe card came from Manny Williams’s assistant,” Mr. Player told her. “Have you heard of Manny Williams?”
    Chloe nodded. Every singer at Rockley Park had heard of him . He was a highly respected independent producer who was very choosy about the people he worked with.
    â€œWell, Manny’s assistant thought Manny might be interested in hearing you sing solo,” Mr. Player told Chloe. “That was who held me up just now,” he added, turning to Judge Jim. “She was asking if we could set up a meeting next semester so Manny could hear Chloe.” He turned back. “Is that all right?” he asked.
    Chloe’s head was whirling. Manny Williams? Might be interested in her ? He chose so few artists to work with. Okay, this was only his assistant’s opinion, but she must have a good idea of the type of talent he was looking for. If Manny Williams decided to work with her, the whole music industry would take notice. He was famous for picking people who ended up being seriously big stars!
    â€œIs that all right?” Mr. Player repeated.
    Chloe looked up at him, her eyes shining. She couldn’t speak. After thinking no one was interested in her, this sudden news was such a shock. Chloe swallowed. Still speechless, she nodded several times. As she did so, she could hear Judge Jim’s big, warm laugh rolling around the bus as he put it into gear.
    Zil gave her an encouraging smile, and Danny’s grin made it obvious that he was sharing Chloe’s feelings.
    She sank back in her seat, still gripping the plain little card tightly in her hand. What a roller coaster of a year this had been! Behind her was an awful lot of hard work. Ahead, there would probably be lots of ups and downs as she tried to make her way as a singer. But for now , Chloe really was a Rising Star!

So you want
to be a pop star?  
Turn the page to read some top tips
on how to make your dreams
come true ....

Making it in the music biz
    Think you’ve got tons of talent?
Well, music maestro Judge Jim Henson,
Head of Rock at talent academy Rockley Park,
has put together his top tips to help
you become a superstar.…
    Â 
Number One Rule: Be positive! You’ve got to believe in yourself.
    Â 
Be active! Join your school choir or form your own band.
    Â 
Be different! Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
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Be determined! Work hard and stay focused.
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Be creative! Try writing your own material—it will say something unique about you.
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Be patient! Don’t give up if things don’t happen overnight.
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Be ready to seize opportunities when they come along.
    Be versatile! Don’t have a one-track mind—try out new things and gain as many skills as you can.
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Be passionate! Don’t be afraid to show some emotion in your performance.
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Be sure to watch, listen, and learn all the time.
    Â 
Be willing to help others. You’ll learn more that way.
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Be smart! Don’t neglect your schoolwork.
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Be cool and don’t get bigheaded! Everyone needs friends, so don’t leave them behind.
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Always stay true to yourself.
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And finally, and most important, enjoy what you do!
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Go for it! It’s all up to you now.…

CINDY JEFFERIES ’s varied career has included being a Venetian-mask maker and a video DJ. Cindy decided to write Fame School after experiencing the ups and downs of her children, who have all been involved in the music business. Her insight into the lives of wannabe pop stars and her own musical background mean that Cindy knows how exciting and demanding the quest for fame and fortune can be.
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Cindy lives on a farm in Gloucestershire, England, where the animal noises, roaring tractors, and rehearsals of Stitch, her son’s indie-rock band, all help her write!
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To find out more about Cindy Jefferies, visit her Web site: