Blog by: Margarita Araiza
Student Spotlight is a new blog by Mararita Araiza featuring an individual student and what makes them a great part of Oak Park. Have suggestions for another student who deserves the spotlight? Leave a comment below.
Imagine the light shining upon you; selling hundreds sometimes thousands of tickets to people who want to see you, being backstage hearing everyone going nuts for you, for your talent that they love.
Junior Taylor Saunders, electric guitar/drum player and writer, has always wanted that. She has always dreamt of being onstage and having all the excitement that comes with it. She has always wanted to be in her very own band, which recently she has been in, “No Man’s Land.”
Learning to play since age 7, band practicing twice a week in her friend’s Eli Harris’s basement, and looking for inspiration has been part of her everyday life.
It can be hard finding the right place to practice in, because starting up at this age parents usually don’t want to hear all the noise.
“It’s great having Eli as a lead guitarist and singer since we practice in his basement,” Saunders said.
Having parents who support your musical talent and have faith in you getting far will get you far. Every big band does start small, some even start in a basement.
Being together for about a year, being inspired by bands like Sublime, The Cranberries, and Three Days Grace has paid off, so far “No Man’s Land” has gotten the opportunity of auditioning for a gig and recording in a studio.
Not everyone is given musical and artistic talent. Saunders was given both. Being able to play electric guitar, drums, and even painting “amazing” designs on shoes will get her far. Her creativity and her talent will make her achieve high goals in the artistic world we all know of.