Reaching for the Stars: The Unwavering Passion of Musical Theater Students
As a kid from Canada who once dreamed of becoming a pilot, Cory Marks might just be the last person you’d expect to explode onto the Southern Rock-Country music scene. But after listening to his unapologetically raw yet real song “Outlaws and Outsiders,” I knew I had to find out more about this rising star.
Hailing from the hockey-crazed town of North Bay, Ontario, Cory Marks discovered his true calling early on – music. While his family loved the iconic Canadian rock band Rush, young Cory became obsessed with the drums, eventually getting his first kit at age 10. By 16, he was rocking out in his first metal band, his hockey skills taking a backseat to his musical ambitions.
After high school, Marks pursued his private pilot’s license, but when the flight school went under, he found himself at a crossroads. It was then that he picked up the guitar and started posting YouTube covers, catching the attention of his hockey teammates. One fateful night at a local bar, they pushed him onstage to perform, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Cory’s story is just one example of the driven, multi-talented individuals who make up the backbone of the musical theater world. These are students who, like Cory, have an unwavering passion for the arts, defying expectations and chasing their dreams with an unrelenting fervor.
Defying Boundaries: The Diverse Talents of Musical Theater Students
At the Musical Theater Center, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable abilities of our students. They come from all walks of life, each with their own unique set of talents and experiences that they bring to the stage.
Take, for instance, the story of Bethany, a freelance entertainment writer who discovered her love for country music while living in Nashville. As she explains, “What started as a hobby has turned into a new career.” Bethany’s journey is a testament to the versatility of musical theater students, who often find themselves exploring unexpected avenues to express their creativity.
Similarly, Matt Norlander, a college basketball writer, has taken his passion for music and crafted an intricate ranking of every Dave Matthews Band song, an endeavor that reflects the depth of knowledge and analytical skills possessed by these students. As he notes, “Putting together a bracket will inevitably lead to gripes over seedings and snubs – as it should – and so I made sure to leave one 12 seed and one 16 seed slot open in the play-in matchups for voters to have two write-ins of their choice.”
The diversity of talents within the musical theater community is truly astounding. From Cory Marks’ ability to seamlessly blend country and rock, to Bethany’s knack for storytelling, to Matt’s meticulous attention to detail, these students have proven time and time again that they are far more than just performers. They are innovators, scholars, and creative powerhouses, each bringing a unique perspective to the art form.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Resilience of Musical Theater Students
Of course, the path to success in the world of musical theater is not without its challenges. As Cory Marks discovered, the industry can be unforgiving, with doors closing in one’s face just as quickly as they open.
“When Nashville closed their doors on me, saying this is too heavy, we don’t see what is going on, Better Noise stepped up and said they loved it,” Marks recounts. “They saw the potential and they believed in me.”
This resilience in the face of adversity is a hallmark of the musical theater student. Whether it’s navigating the ever-changing landscape of the industry, perfecting their craft, or balancing their studies with their passion, these individuals possess an unwavering determination that sets them apart.
Take, for example, the story of the anonymous Redditor who spent hours scouring the internet, determined to identify the name of a song that had been haunting them. Despite the long odds and the seemingly futile nature of their quest, they refused to give up, driven by a gut instinct that the song held a deeper meaning for them. As they put it, “I told myself that the feelings in this particular track somehow spoke to me every time I heard it yet I somehow never learned its name.”
This level of dedication and perseverance is a hallmark of the musical theater student, who understands that true success is not achieved without facing and overcoming challenges. Whether it’s perfecting a complex dance routine, nailing a high note, or navigating the cutthroat world of auditions, these students demonstrate a resilience that is truly inspiring.
Embracing the Journey: The Invaluable Lessons of Musical Theater Students
As we delve deeper into the lives of these remarkable individuals, it becomes clear that their journey is not merely about achieving fame or recognition. Rather, it is a pursuit of self-discovery, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
“Growing up on country and rock music, being inspired by songs like The Rolling Stones’ ‘Honky Tonk Woman,’ bands like Deep Purple, Rush, and the iconic Ozzy Osbourne, the original ‘outlaws & outsiders’ Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings – shaped my musical style,” Cory Marks explains. “It’s a true honor to be working with the country music outlaw of my generation, the great Travis Tritt.”
For Marks, his musical journey has been a testament to the power of embracing one’s roots and finding inspiration in the stories and sounds of the past. In the same vein, the students at the Musical Theater Center are taught to draw upon their unique experiences and perspectives, using them to inform and elevate their craft.
As Matt Norlander eloquently states, “This is but one man’s view of DMB’s canon and above all else an elongated appreciation for one of the most successful and distinct bands in American history.” His meticulous ranking of the band’s songs reflects a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities that make up the musical landscape.
In the end, the true value of the musical theater student lies not in the accolades or the commercial success they may achieve, but in the lessons they learn along the way. It is the pursuit of excellence, the embrace of diversity, and the unwavering resilience that define these individuals, making them not just talented performers, but inspiring role models for us all.
So, as we continue to witness the incredible feats of these musical theater students, let us take a moment to appreciate the harmony of ambition that drives them, for it is in their stories that we find the true essence of what it means to be an artist, a visionary, and a seeker of the extraordinary.
