A Year in the Life of Laura Beam

But first some background...

Laura was born November 3rd, 1980 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to her loving parents Mary and David. Her father passed away at the age of 5 and that is the premace of her song "One Day". She began "offically" writing songs just after turning 15.

She went to Estabrook Elementary, West Middle School and then on to Ypsilanti High but transferred to Clonlara School in Ann Arbor which is where she graduated. But lets here it from her.

"This year I transferred schools and I couldn't be happier. I never dreamed of accomplishing so much in a year. First it all started the week I would be starting, well that I did start at Ypsi High. I went through a week of school at Ypsi and just lost all happiness and desire to learn. I was so unhappy at Ypsi. I strongly disliked the people I was surrounded by on a daily basis and ached to move on. So I woke up one Wednesday morning went to my mother and said, 'Mom, I don't want to go to school today'. 'What Laura, you don't feel well?'. 'No, I *don't* want to go to school today.' And from there we seeked alternatives (Clonlara). And Clonlara was the best choice I could have ever made.

While enrolled at Clonlara I was able to make my own cirriculum but I did have some requirements. Such as a semester of Geography and a year of English and also electives to get the right number of credit hours.

For Geography I decided to study Ancient Geography. Mainly concerning the Trojan War, Troy, and other lost cities because that is one of my big interests. I love Greek Mythology. So I would read any book on the Trojan War I could possibly find and after I would read a book not only would I keep a list but I'd write out a little book review in my red composition book. I also included recreational reading in this book. Writing and reading I would consider English and boy did I read a lot. This year really got me hooked on reading and left me wishing I'd read more as a child. But like they say there is no time like the present.

I chose two electives Library Science and Music. The Library Science was fun and I still *work* on it. Meaning I've been working at the Ypsilanti District Library for the past year and plan on working there through the next school year. Who knows maybe I'll be a Librarian. The Music elective was a long but very rewarding endevor. I also kept a journal of my musical journey in a blue composition book.

I decided with my Mom/Executive Producer that I wanted to make an album. I hooked up with Doug Cameron of Cameron Sound Studios which is located in downtown Ann Arbor. Doug is a great, terrific guy and without him none of this would have been possible. Thanks Doug! We began recording in November and several more times until April when we mixed and mastered the CD. I then took the CD to World Class Tapes in Ann Arbor, and they manufactured the CD for me. I am *so* happy with the results. It looks so cool!

This is the cover of my album. It was painted by my sister, Jen Beam. The album's release date was July 18th, 1998. It is now available. If you are interested in ordering a CD please visit http://geocities.datacellar.net/Soho/Workshop/3724/ccrums.html or if you have questions please send mail toccrumz@cyberspace.org. The cost of the CD is 16 dollars (+$3 s.h.)and a dollar goes to Washtenaw Literacy. I became involved with Washtenaw Literacy this year while working on the required volunteer hours for school. It is a great organization and I plan to continue to work there as much as I can."

Laura took part in the Lilith Fair acoustic

talent search in Detroit. The winner would open for Lillith Fair. Wow what a great experience.

                       Laura at Lilith Fair talent search.

To visit the original page click here or to check out Laura's Personal and more fequently updated page click here

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Page Last Updated November 2nd, 1998