Everyone in the world has a dream. Whether it is to climb Mount Everest or to start a family, every person on this planet has something they dream of; something they want more than anything else. For Corona del Mar High School sophomore Amanda Lamb, her dream is to become a famous musician.

When asked how long she has wanted to be a musician, Lamb responded, “Gosh, since I was a little girl, but back then, I would have never dreamed of actually perusing it when I would be 15. It’s my wildest dream come true.”

Lamb first began singing at the age of six in her local church choir. Her home had always been filled with music, soft singing, and encouragement; all of which inspired her to embrace her talent.

At age 11, Lamb joined the CdM choir where she first found her voice. She remained a member of our school’s elite vocalists until she decided to follow her passion, and show her voice to the world.

Lamb began vocal lessons at age 12. She received coaching from a vocal teacher who was popular with other CdM choir student. However this teacher’s classical approach was affecting Lamb’s voice and she could no longer deal with his opera coaching.

“He was teaching me the classical style, but what I really wanted was to sing rock and pop,” said Lamb.

Along came Lis Lewis, Lamb’s current coach, who began working with her in March of this year. Lewis has worked with multiple famous artists like Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Colbie Callait, Rihanna, and many others. Lewis helped Lamb accept her pop style voice. After hearing one of Lamb’s original songs, which she wrote the lyrics and piano to, Lewis encouraged her to make a demo.

With a new boost of confidence, thanks to her vocal coach, Lamb began to write more songs which she could incorporate into her demo. Drawing from personal experiences and emotions, Lamb’s songs sound more mature than those of other teen singing sensations. She explained her genre was more Indie-Pop than actual Pop.

“I write my lyrics very Indie-like, but my music is more pop influenced,” said Lamb.

Being inspired by the popular artists of today like Fall Out Boy, P!nk, Katy Perry, Owl City, and Sara Bareilles, Lamb styled her music to what she was familiar with.

Over the summer, Lamb began recording her demo at S1 studios in Fullerton with producers Corey Gonzalez and Moses Toth. She worked hard all summer long to finish her first CD saying that her favorite part about it all was actually hearing it progress.

“I love coming into the studio when the musicians are recording so I can put my input into it,” said Lamb. “To tell you the truth, when you go into the studio and hear what you have worked weeks on finally taking shape and coming to life, it’s breathtaking.”

Lamb currently has a MySpace Music profile with her songs titled “Been There”, “Funny Disaster”, “Banish Love”, and “About You”. The songs are available to all who are interested in hearing her dreams come true at myspace.com/amandalambmusic.

So when can we expect to her Amanda Lamb on the radio?

“Soon I hope! Spread the Word,” Lamb laughed. “My goal would be in the next 5 years, if everything goes well.”

CdM’s very own junior varsity football team took on University last Friday in their third league game. CdM started out slow, only scoring two points in the first half against University High school. But, the score quickly changed as CdM put up another 28 points to beat the Trojans 30-0.

Corona del Mar’s defense was once again shutdown against University, allowing only a few first downs and only a few good runs. As for the offense, once the ball was put into the red zone, it would stop and University would quickly gain possession.

“It was really frustrating. We would drive it all the way down the field, but we could never score,” stated junior Brian Smith. This would all change for CdM as they entered the second half with the ball. On their second possession, Corona drove the ball 65 yards down the field, with the drive resulting in a touchdown pass to sophomore Matt English. With another quick stop for the CdM defense, the offense got the ball back on University’s 30 yard line. In two plays, both being the same, Erik Fisher ran the ball for another CdM touchdown.

Kevin Kitzens would quickly add to the CdM score as he also ran the ball into the endzone against the dwindling University defense. CdM’s offense had finally found its groove, scoring 21 points in the third and fourth quarter. As the final minutes on the clock counted down, the CdM defense took the field against University on the 40 yard line. As soon as University got the ball, they gave it up. A pass over the middle was intercepted by linebacker Jack Kanen who ran it back for thirty yards before fumbling. Luckily, the ball was recovered by corner Kyle Sherburne who ran the ball for another six points. Kicker Grant Garret put up the kick to make the final score of the game 30-0.

The final bell rang and students were excited to finally begin their weekend. Two full days of not having to even step on CdM’s campus was in mind for most. However, the student body was in for a surprise later that afternoon.
The phone rang in every student’s household reminding them that they had received a Saturday School for the next day. Listening to the all-call message, chills went down kid’s and parent’s spines as they either grew angry or confused about the situation.
“I was kind of freaked out when my parents said that they got a call about me getting a Saturday School,” said junior Jessica Beyer.
Parents asked their kids whether or not they had cut class or gotten in trouble, and students wondered how they received a Saturday School, hoping it was a mistake. As the word spread that apparently everyone in the entire school had received a Saturday School, nerves were relieved.
“Everyone’s status on Facebook was about the Saturday School phone call. Also all of my friends said that they got the call too. That’s when I started to realize that it was a mistake,” said Beyer.
Middle school vice principal Tim Tolzda straightened out the uncertainty by emailing the student body via School Loop. The email stated that the phone call was due to an override in the all-call system and that everyone received a phone call rather than the ones who were intended to receive one.
Tolzda also clarified the protocol of receiving a Saturday School in the email sent out.
“Anytime that your child is assigned a Saturday School by an administrator, parent contact does occur via phone or in person as well as a notification sent home through the mail,” said Tolzda.
The students were grateful that the phone calls were due to a mechanical error and that they were not in trouble. Kids were happy that their punishment was false and those who were scolded by their parents or suddenly grounded were off the hook.
“Once my parents got the email they told me and we were all relieved,” said junior Peyton Wolonsky.
After some time of confusion and uncertainty, CdM students could finally enjoy their weekend and not have to worry about waking up the next day to attend Saturday School.