Tuesday, June 26, 2012

David Archuleta is Some People



  
Some people come into our lives for a reason, perhaps because it’s our time to share, grow or learn.  They may bring us laughter, encourage us to stretch or just bring unbelievable joy to our lives. 
 
Some people move in and out of our lives, and each leaves a mark on the other.  We are made up of bits and pieces of all who have touched our lives and we are more because of it, and we would be less if they had not touched us.

Many people have come in and out of my life over the past sixty some years.  Some have helped with my growth spiritually, emotionally, physically and intellectually.  The contribution of every person in one’s life helps form the whole person one aspires to become.  I am, what I am today, because so many of these people stopped a while in my heart.  One of these people is David Archuleta.  The moment I met him I felt something stir within me.  Ask Jesus to be your light and let Him show you the way.

David is a teacher whether he knows it or not.  He is a motivator to each one of us.  He makes us believe in ourselves and while doing this inculcates ethics and values. Many people have a certain part in time in their lives that they wish they could just freeze.  For many of us it was that moment David announced his mission plans.

As sad as that moment was for many, I’m a believer in the power of change.  The hardest part of moving forward is looking back recalling all our memories, the great times and missing his daily presence.  But know that change can transform into something greater and worth it all in the end. 

The recent release of David’s new video “I’ll Never Go” again shows his passion and his soul.  He is the type of artist you share and grow with over a lifetime, your investment is based on more than a snappy radio friendly tune.  If he has taught us anything it’s to seek out the new, experience the unknown, enjoy life with enthusiam and look beyond our own needs.

His new video gives us a glimpse of promise that when he left, his heart had enough room to carry some of ours with him.  A beautiful video full of sensitivity that not only matches his talent but matches our expectations.  David last few days before leaving on his mission were thoughts of us, and the gifts he left behind will forever link us to him.

The following poem describes David Archuleta with every emotion that embraces my heart and I bet yours as well. 




Some People

By Flavia Weedn

Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.
Some people come into our lives
and quickly go...Some stay for a while
and embrace our silent dreams.
They help us become aware
of the delicate winds of hope...
and we discover within every human spirit
there are wings yearning to fly.
They help our hearts to see that
the only stairway to the stars
is woven with dreams...
and we find ourselves
unafraid to reach high.
They celebrate the true essence
of who we are...
and have faith in all
that we may become.
Some people awaken us
to new and deeper realizations...
for we gain insight
from the passing whisper of their wisdom.
Throughout our lives we are sent
precious souls...
meant to share our journey
however brief or lasting their stay
they remind us why we are here.
To learn...to teach...to nurture...to love.
Some people come into our lives
to cast a steady light
upon our path and guide our every step
their shining belief in us
helps us to believe in ourselves.
Some people come into our
lives to teach us about love...
The love that rests within ourselves.
Let us reach out to others
and feel the bliss of giving
for love is far richer in action
than it ever is in words.
Some people come into our lives
and they move our souls to sing
and make our spirits dance.
They help us to see that everything on earth
is part of the incredibility of life...
and that it is always there
for us to take of its joy.
Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

TDAMS RECEPIENTS



Please check out the news!



The David Archuleta Music Scholarship was given to two wonderful recipients
near the end of May and we are very excited for them
and it appears they are excited as well!

click on the RECIPIENTS link on the left to learn more.

And one more time, THANK YOU so much for supporting
in David’s words… “a kid’s future life in music”
…or in this case two kids! 



1 Attached file| 19KB

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Jennifer Barry David Archuleta Calendars

JENNIFER BARRY'S FUNDRAISER CALENDARS

http://jenleighbarry.smugmug.com/

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David Archuleta Calendar Fundraiser Project to benefit ChildFund International

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UPDATE: EACH CALENDAR MUST BE ORDERED SEPARATELY. YOU CAN'T COMBINE THE TWO DIFFERENT CALENDARS TOGETHER IN ONE ORDER. YOU CAN, HOWEVER, ORDER MULTIPLES OF THE SAME CALENDAR IN ONE SHIPMENT FOR ONE LOW SHIPPING COST OF $5.
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BONUS:

If you have order a calendar between Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 15th you can be entered into a raffle to win a XL sized Calendar Photo Print of your choice. To be entered, you must e-mail me confirmation of your order at jenleighbarry@gmail.com

Thank you :o)))
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working on photos since December and the creation of each calendar page since April, the calendars are done!

All net proceeds will be donated to ChildFund International in honor of David Archuleta. http://www.childfund.org/

CLICK EACH CALENDAR LINKS BELOW AND IT WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE ORDER PAGE OF THAT SPECIFIC CALENDAR (requires Adobe Flash)

Calendar 1: Be Inspired to Believe (this is the more spiritual calendar)
https://www.createphotoproducts.com/CreatePhotoCalendarsOnline.html?dest=store&user=jenleighbarry&proj=Be%20Inspired%20to%20Believe

What makes this calendar so unique is the passages used in the Be Inspired to Believe calendar are from David fans and David's family. I asked them if they could provide passages that made them think of David. I felt this would truly make this specifica calendar memorable, special and personal and a way show my appreciation to David as he is away on his mission.

Calendar 2: David Archuleta 1
https://www.createphotoproducts.com/CreatePhotoCalendarsOnline.html?dest=store&user=jenleighbarry&proj=David%20Archuleta%201

What makes this calendar special is ChildFund International provided me with phrases to use in the calendar and a very special fan provided me with a poem she came up with about David and I also provided some phrases David had tweeted that were significant to him to share with us on twitter.

I tried to make each calendar something that be speical to each of us and the photos can be looked on for many years to come even when the year is over.

Payment methods accepted: Visa, MC, PayPal

Calendar size: 8.5 x 11 or 11x14 XL (to select this size use pull-down menu)

Cost:
$23.28 for 8.5x11 plus $5 s/h (US residents)
$33.28 for 11x14 XL plus $5 (US residents)

Please check costs for international shipping: http://www.createphotocalendars.com/pricing.htm

Even more, you can order any number of the SAME calendar together and if they're going to the same ship to address, the cost is a flat-fee of $5 for all projects

How to Order:

CLICK BUY:
it will ask you to create a new account as this allows you to track your order.

ORDER:
Provide Quantity, Select Binder color, Select size (standard 8.5x11 or 11x14 XL), Enter address, shipping method. The regular cost to ship is a flat $5 for calendars shipped in the US. (while on the site, please check shipping cost for International orders, which in my opinion is low compared to other calendar sites I have used). Shipping link: http://www.createphotocalendars.com/pricing.htm

Order Summary: Review your order. Check Out Enter your payment method

INSPIRED BY DAVID:

This project was inspired by David Archuleta who partnered with ChildFund for his “My Kind of Christmas” concert tour in December. He believes that if each of us says YES to helping ChildFund by sponsoring a child or donate money, that these kids who have always heard the word no, will finally be told YES to water, food, education and fulfilling their dreams, something many of us assume will take for granted will always be there.

This project is my way of saying thank you to David for always being an inspiration to me and to all of his fans by encouraging us all to follow our dreams, which he has shown can be challenging and scary but it is exactly those challenges that make it worth achieving. It is also David’s wish that by helping ChildFund ( http://www.childfund.org/ ) we can help these children follow their dreams.

This was a very fun and educational project and probably the most memorable. Of the two calendars, the spiritual calendar is truly my favorite. The reason this calendar is more special to me are because the passages used in the calendar are from fans and family who I asked if they could provide me with passages that made them think of David. I thought this calendar was a great way to show my appreciation and respect for David’s choice to leave the comforts of what he knows behind, to help and serve those who are truly in need of someone like him in their lives.

I am so honored and blessed to be a fan of David because even though he is gone for two years, he is still finding ways to be a part of all of us and because he left us with someone who is keeping the flame lite, Kari! Thank You Kari for being the angel you are. We love you.

THANK YOU for helping to raise money and awareness to a very special organization to David Archuleta!!!!!

**** David Archuleta's management APPROVED THIS PROJECT and ChildFund International allowed me to use their messages in the calendar ****


JenLeighBarry


Please note the Calendar Website can not be viewed on iPhone or IPad as "flash" is required to view calendar.


**** David Archuleta's management APPROVED THIS PROJECT and ChildFund International allowed me to use their messages in the calendar ****
 

Sunday, June 10, 2012

My Cover choices for David Archuleta's "Begin"


David Archuleta has a beautiful voice of pure sincerity that reaches straight to heaven.

His music helps people get to a special place bringing them hope and inspiration. Positive messages simply can’t be ignored and in celebrating the spirit of self-reliance it reminds each of us we are morally responsible to help the less fortunate among us.  Music is God’s perfect form of communication because what comes from the heart, soul and spirit touches and reaches everyone.

Life is the sum of individual experiences and on his mission he will be searching for new experiences from which to draw inspiration for his music, songs that motivate us and trigger us into action.  Songs that remind us the beauty of life and lifts us up when we’re down and remind us who we are.

David’s new album “Begin” is to be released August 7, 2012 which will consist of covers of songs we all know and have enjoyed.  Cover songs cover all the bases.  Some artists obliterate the original but David has always managed to put a new sheen on any song while remaining faithful to the original arrangements.  He inventively revives every original and “Begin” should be no exception.
  
Hearing a cover song done right can be goose bump-inducing, heart rate-spiking and soul feeding. With hundreds and thousands of great songs out there, it is challenging to narrow down the list.

David voice doesn’t only express expertise and style but also reflects the soul; it’s a sounding board for thoughts and feelings.  He sings the perfect sound, his inner voice singing our hearts desires.

When you start listening to him one of the most important things is he keeps you relaxed his voice has this kind of quality to it, it’s like some kind of magic spell is being cast.

I have compiled a few personal choices of covers that might fit in with David’s intension for his new album. My hope is that one day I will be fortunate enough to hear him sing one of these lovely choices.

August 7th can you please hurry?











 Reach - Gloria Estefan




Music of My Heart - N'Sync & Gloria Estefan




I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly
A New Day Has Come - Celine Dion
The Prayer - Celine Dion & Josh Groban
I'm Alive - Celine Dion

Friday, June 1, 2012

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Four: Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me

 By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

The Shining Star of the AI Finale in May 2008 sang, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Clive Davis picked the first round of songs and David picked the first single from British musician Elton John’s 1974 album Caribou. It was released that year during the latter half of May in the United Kingdom, and on June 10, in the U.S.

Immersed in a spotlight and seated on the mid-stage steps, David Archuleta took a slow walk to the front of the stage and poured out a worthy ballad.

He delivered amazing vocals; his voice was so clear, so pure, and so similar to his other performances on Idol. He always brings something special to a performance and rarely ever misses a note, if any.

He performed as perfect as a singer can perform with flawless talent, and gave a superior stellar performance.

Randy told David that it doesn’t matter what happens, he has to know one thing – this was one of the best performances this whole season and he picked the right time to peak. David had nailed his performance and the judges said that his singing was beautiful and stunning. Simon told him that the song was the best he’ done so far in the competition.

Paula commented to David after his performance, “the sun is never going to go down on you, because you bring out so much sunshine.”

Her comment reminded me of some cute and funny moments during the American Idol Tour. Weather was an issue for the Idols on tour when they were meeting fans at the buses. Often it was overcast or raining causing a delay or canceling them completely.

In one city a fan was talking with Jason Castro and David hadn’t come out yet, and she was worried it would start raining and prevent his greeting fans. Jason proceeded to re-assure her not to worry that as soon as David comes out so would the sun and it did.

So you see Paula was right “the sun is never going to go down on you”, and it never will.



Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

David's "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" was one of the most brilliant, emotional performances I have ever seen on the American Idol stage. It was two minutes of musical magic, mesmerizing, almost hypnotic. I couldn't take my eyes away from the television screen.

I was absolutely overwhelmed with depth of his musicianship. The phrasing, the nuances, the dynamic range, the soulful expressivity, the meaningful articulation of the lyrics, the pacing - it was all there in this singular performance of this Elton John classic.

It's funny - looking back, before I heard David's performance, I wasn't thrilled with David's selection. Over the years, this song had been performed countless times on American Idol, the first time being when Season 2 Runner-Up Clay Aiken used the song to catapult him into the Top 12.

So, here we were once again, five years later, watching another performance of this song by Top 2 performer, David Archuleta. What more could David do with this song that hadn't already been done?

Well, as it turns out - plenty! There were so many twists and turns in this two-minute masterpiece performance that I remember staring at the TV screen in absolute awe.

Here is what I had to say about this song via my Top 2 Vocal Masterclass article in May 2008:

"Your first number, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me was a brilliant performance, overflowing with style and substance. I have heard this song performed many times and performed well, I might add! However, your interpretation was, for me, the pinnacle of all past performances of this number. It left me in tears – first time all season!

I loved the opening ambience of this number, a sole spotlight on you seated at center stage on the stairs. It not only created a relaxed mood, but also the measured and unhurried pace allowed you to ease into this song. By doing so, you were conserving your adrenaline for the dynamic vocals that were to follow and, boy, did they ever!

However, before we move there, I should applaud you on your excellent posture while seated on stage. Your elevated rib cage provided consistent support to your resounding baritone vocals.

You even had one foot ahead of the other – one foot on one stair and the other on the stair above it -which all singers should freely adopt, particularly while standing. This allowed you to establish a forward position with your body, thus assisting you to generate a forward momentum within your phrase lines. Additionally, you were primed to move easily off the stairs when you changed positions and walked to the front of the stage.

Additionally, your hands and arms were relaxed and free – no tension there whatsoever. You were primed and ready to hit a home run and so you did as the song moved effortlessly and with astonishing artistry to home plate.

I loved that determined walk to center stage, as your pitch perfect vocals started their crescendo toward the climactic end of this song. You added some exciting new soulful elements to this song, gently but distinctly bending the melodic line with passionate artistry and sensitivity."

This was indeed a very special night for David. He performed three outstanding numbers and hit a home run with each of them. But, this song was his shining moment - it left me breathless and so thankful that we were blessed with his enormous talent via the American Idol process.