When I was in high school, I remember watching the show “Fame,” fantasizing about what it would be like to go to a fine arts school and be surrounded by talented teens strumming guitars while I walked down the hall.  Due to the fact that I have no musical ability, that image remained a fantasy for me, but for Madison Douglas, it has been a very exciting reality for the past two years. 

 

The Clarksburg native and recent graduate was recognized as a standout performer at the young age of 12, performing at local talent shows and winning the 2009 Blackberry Festival Talent Show.  From there, her talent was showcased around the state as she performed at the Mountain State Forest Festival, Doddridge County Fair and the Strawberry Festival. 

 

Her music teacher at Washington Irving Middle School, Ms. Warne, encouraged her to perform her own songs at school assemblies and it was that simple encouragement that allowed Douglas to tap into her true passion: song writing.  “When I started at RCB, I felt disconnected.  I knew I wanted to pursue a career in songwriting and wanted to fully dedicate myself to a path in music.  After begging my parents, they finally allowed me to attend an arts boarding school in northern Michigan.”

 

Douglas attended Interlochen Arts Academy her junior and senior years of high school to major in songwriting.  “The initial transition proved to be difficult, with rigorous coursework and arts training that pushed me way beyond my comfort zone,” said Douglas.  “After the first semester, I adapted and was able to really concentrate on developing my confidence and my skill set.  The campus was isolated in a rural forest area nestled between two lakes. With no outside distractions and surrounded by musicians all day, it was an ideal setting to grow as a songwriter.”

 

While at Interlochen, Douglas was recognized as a finalist in the Michigan Music Education Association Honors Composition Concert.  She also received a YoungArts Honorable Mention for songwriting and placed second in the pop category for her tune, “Girls Don’t Cry Wolf” in the Indie Songwriting Contest. 

 

In April, Douglas was one of seven students selected to represent Interlochen’s singer/songwriter program to tour the Midwest.  “I had the opportunity to live like a professional musician!  We slept on a tour bus, performed at venues, radio stations, and on television in Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville and Minneapolis.  I also got to sing the national anthem at a Bulls Game.”

 

Her brush with fame did not end there.  After being recognized with a Fine Arts Award for singing and songwriting, Douglas opened for Five for Fighting.  She is also only one of six or seven students accepted into the prestigious songwriting and performance program at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of  Music in Los Angeles.  She will continue her education there in the fall, but not without coming back to Harrison County to perform a few shows first. She will be performing at Mia Margharita’s on June 17^th, at the Bridgeport Farmer’s Market on June 28^th and at the Blackberry Festival main stage on July 30^th. 

 

“I am so humbled to have had these experiences and be surrounded by such supportive and talented people.  I am truly grateful for the chance to share my music and live my dream.”