Lori Johnson
MOST YOUNG persons who aspire to succeed in the highly competitive world of entertainment usually try to imitate rhythm and blues, reggae or gospel icons until they finally discover their own style. Twenty-five-year-old Lori Johnson was no different, but she quickly found her niche in the performing arts as a budding classical singer.
Today, Lori is pursuing her dreams by furthering her studies in the performing arts at the Fredoria University Department of Music in the United States of America. This was made possible in part by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education Fund (CHASE), established by the Government in 2003 to support particular aspects of Jamaican life which includes arts and culture. Funds to support these areas of national life are drawn from proceeds from the monetary contributions from Supreme Ventures Limited, as stipulated under Section 59G of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act.
A BLESSING
"This fund has been a blessing to me and their input has been very significant in providing the opportunity for me to continue my studies overseas," Lori said.
"Singing the classics came more naturally to me," said Lori, who started her journey in music in 1993 under the tutelage of Dorett Thaxter, director of the Titchfield High School Chorale. Her entry into the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Music Competition earned her a number of gold medals and the trophy for the Best Intermediate Gospel Performer.
The JCDC awarded Lori a one-year scholarship to the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts, where she also pursued a diploma course in performance and teaching. Based on her outstanding performance, the scholarship was extended to three years.
TALENT
While pursuing her studies at the Edna Manley College, Lori majored in voice with Russian trained signer, Pauline Forrest-Watson, who spotted Lori's exemplary talent and steered her in the right direction. Lori, under Mrs. Forrest-Watson's guidance, has distinguished herself in the Royal School's Examinations by achieving distinctions at the Grade Seven and Grade Eight levels.
Lori notes that the performing arts is a very competitive field, but she is taking one step at a time in reaching her goal of being a professional performer. She urges other young persons like herself to focus on their gifts and pursue their dreams as, she says, it is possible to excel in any area of the arts.
"You never know where your talent may take you," she says, "but be open to new ideas and techniques and don't lose your originality; don't put aside what is you."
FRUSTRATIONS
According to Lori, there have been frustrations along the way, but her faith in God and the support of her family and friends have kept her focused. "At the same time there has been growth and development and my passion for the classics usually override the challenges," she said.
Lori performs on and off campus when time permits, and has toured as a back-up singer with renewed Jamaican gospel artiste Chevelle Franklin throughout the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Kenya, and the Caribbean. While a student at the Edna Manley College, she also performed at the Bob Marley Symposium in Orlando, Florida, in Gambia, East Africa, and Carifesta in St. Kitts/Nevis.
SITES AND MONUMENTS
The CHASE Fund has to date disbursed approximately $286 million to the arts and culture sector. These disbursements have gone toward refurbishing the infrastructure of performing arts theatres, the restoration of historic sites and monuments, as well as providing opportunities for young people to participate in cultural activities.
Among the beneficiaries are the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, the YMCA Centre for the Performing Arts, the Rio Nuevo Battle Site Historical Park, the Seaforth High School Sound Proof Music Centre and the Institute of Jamaica's Junior Centre Arts and Culture, Project. The other areas supported by the CHASE Fund are health, sports and early childhood education.
