Jayden is 18 and about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. It will last only moments and yet the memory will be for a lifetime.
Across my twitter line flew a brief link and message something like “Do you want to sing for the Wildcats?”.
I followed the link because I’m, you know, nosey!
Perth Wildcats were looking to audition vocalists to open each game with the Australian National Anthem. I’m all for pushing an adventure under a child’s nose and I did just that to Jayden who has a great voice, writes amazing songs and is all too modest a performer!
Jayden has had minimal training and is mostly self taught with the piano. He writes songs without composition training. I call it ‘Freestyle’. Yes I’m Mum, I’m biased but I’m also a hater of parents who put their kids on stage claiming awesome when it’s more of a cat wail. I’m honest with my kids, I call it as it is!
He went to the audition with the words in his ears:
“It matters not where it leads, only that you’ve experienced a new adventure that will ‘grow’ you as a person”.
Nervous and feeling ‘under’ experienced compared to the many amazing singers that were present, he came home happy that he’d done it but certain that was the end of the journey. Only to receive an email inviting him to the second round and again later informing him that he had gotten through and was given a date to perform.
A date for a solo performance singing the Australian National Anthem in front of a crowd of over 7000 people to open the Perth Wildcats game.
What an exciting adventure, for him, for us and for the little kids. Who I’m sure I will not be able to stifle their excited screams mid anthem of “that’s my Jayden”. They will be proud, excited and I’m sure they will want to tell the world.
Jayden has experienced losing his 5 year old little brother when Jayden was 7 years old. This had a huge impact on him. He’s also experienced young love and the pain of a broken heart. All the ingredients for a great song writer and performer.
As we nervously count down the days to next Friday and secretly pray he sets off on the right key he will no doubt have a few sleepless nights leading up to it.
It’s only a few short moments, he’s not famous, he’s not a public figure. He’s my son and that’s all that matters.
Here are a few samples of his basic early performances. Join me in hoping it all goes well so that amazing memories are made. If it doesn’t, if for some reason his biggest fear comes true and he ‘messes’ up we will be there to tell him that it was worth every moment and that even the best performers have their fails!
