A local musician says she is in shock after being accepted into a prestigious music workshop in Los Angeles.
Auri Fell who has performed in multiple festivals like Hillside Festival, Guelph Multicultural Festival, Guelph Jazz Festival and more, is taking her music career one step further after being accepted into the A Cappella Academy at Scripps College in Los Angeles.
Over 500 applicants applied for the 10-day intensive youth vocal program which will be held in July, where only 75 youth will gain mentorship in music.
Fell said a part of her is still in shock after finding out the acceptance.
“I know that lots of people love what I do, and lots of people say that I’m talented and I’ve met lots of people online, I’ve met some big names, who’ve said, ‘Holy crap! Your music is so good!’” she said.
“I expected it, but then I am also like, ‘I actually got in?’ Out of everyone that submitted an application, out of the 75 people that got in, and I was one of them.”
Fell developed a love for music at an early age. As a toddler, she said her mother made up songs for her about everyday objects.
“I think that’s where my passion for music sort of started," said Fell.
Her first music request was a banjo, which she asked from Santa at the age of two. By the time she was 10, Fell's parents got her a saxophone after years of asking for one.
From there, Fell went on to learn to play the alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, ukulele, Ubass, merlin, piano, melodica, percussion, tin whistle, kalimba and the harmonica.
“I also sing, beatbox, and I do polyphonic singing, which is singing two notes at once," said Fell. “It’s a lot of stuff."
In 2020, Fell started a YouTube channel after learning how to make a track on the Apple music program, Garage Band.
“I was like, ‘This is really cool and I like this,’ and I wanted to share it with people," Fell said about making the track. "So, I made a channel and I posted that two years ago, and I’ve been making covers of songs and posting them and really, it’s whatever I want to post.”
Overall, Fell said it has been cool to see people support her channel.
“I don’t really care if people listen to it, I don’t even care if people like it, I don’t even care how many people are there, I just want to show people,” said Fell, “and if people like it, then that’s cool.”
When it comes to her music, Fell describes it as "jazz inspired" with notes of indie percussion. For years, Fell was involved with the Guelph Youth Jazz Ensemble.
Fell also mentions she takes inspiration from musicians such as James Taylor, Cave Town and Jacob Collier.
“I take a lot of inspiration from him and his music," Fell said about Collier. "It’s super weird harmonies and crazy music theories."
Living in Guelph, Fell said she has been able to speak with other musicians, learn about their careers and decide how she would like to shape her own path. She also acknowledges the role her parents have had in helping her follow her passion.
"I think a lot of the opportunities that were made available were not possible without their support," she said.
With her acceptance into the A Cappella Academy, Fell said she is looking forward to improving her knowledge of singing, working in groups and learning more about music.
With tuition and travel fees coming to $4,500, Fell has created a fundraising page.
"I really couldn't do it without their help," said Fell.
For different level donors, she offers a reward system, including personalized singing telegrams, personalized performance videos, custom a cappella multitrack videos, and digital caricatures. Those interested in making a donation can do so here.
