Amy Helmuth: Singer / Song-Writer

Finally a new post...

2009-11-08T11:51:00.001-08:00

My dad, yesterday, made a comment about how I haven't updated since the summer. I constantly remind myself to do so, but never get around to it. My next band practice is this Wednesday. I have a drummer, and an electric guitarist now! We had a bassist and pianist, but lost them recently and so we're still looking. Chelsi, my producer and booking agent did a fantastic job finding everyone in a decidedly short span of time. Once we get tight, we can start booking gigs and maybe record our new songs/covers into a new demo. We need a band name first. After we come up with a band name, I'll most likely make a real website for our band (ex. make another myspace).

So, I've been busy getting a band together, and also with school. Being a senior in high school, it's that stressful time to find the right college. It's difficult for me because of my numerous interests; it's taking me forever to find a college close enough to home (even though I want to go out of state, I can't in case my band goes somewhere) with everything I want.

High school is going okay for me. Since I've put off gym classes until this year, I'm in weight training/conditioning first period with my sister's best friend as the only two girls. Friends and people who know me well enough laugh and think I'm joking. But, hey, I sort of have muscle now!

I sang the National Anthem for Roosevelt's first assembly of the year!

It went really well and I was proud of myself--I was honored to sing the National Anthem not only my senior year of high school, but also on September 11th. I'm pretty sure that the school didn't hear me say that we would take a moment of silence, though. It was awkward when I took a long pause and people kept talking. I'm pretty sure that a lot of people were freaking out over my green, sparkly, sequined high-heels. The thing that bothers me is that the two recordings I was counting on both failed, and I wasn't smart enough to use my camera. So, I don't have a recording of the song itself. It's frustrating and I'll never get to do that again.

The Spring musical for our high school was announced last night. Curtains! This year is rare because we're doing two musicals. Right now I am in rehearsals for White Christmas. I play Martha Watson, the Innkeeper. Tickets went on sale today on the Roosevelt Drama's website. Performances are December 3, 4 and 5.

Every year the drama department takes part in the International Thespian's "Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat." On Halloween, all of us drama kids go out and trick-or-treat for canned and boxed foods instead of candy (although we do get some candy). I went earlier on Halloween to pass out fliers to tell my neighbors that I'd be back later to pick up cans. By the end of the night, I had 9 (?) bags of cans and other non-perishable items.

That's it for now.

Enjoy your day!

National Anthem - Everett Aquasox

2009-08-05T09:34:00.001-07:00

The people in the video (not part of Aquasox):
1. Me (obviously).
2. My Dad (recording).
3. My mother.
4&5. My friend, Xuny, and her sister, Abby.
6. Kerry (in spirit).
7. I guess all my other friends and family (in spirit).

The events going on in the shots before my actual singing:
1. My Dad asking me what I was about to do. Then asking if I was nervous. What a silly question. We went to eat just before that, and I had about three bites of salad, four french fries, and about three more bites of chili. I ordered the bread bowl thinking I'd get a bowl of bread. Apparently, that's not what it is.
2. Kerry, my best friend who is in New York right now (jealous), and a couple other people constantly texted me until it was time to go on, to try and calm my nerves.
3. Kerry texted me this picture (it was sideways, which was why i kept turning my phone. so I'm going to let you experience that, also):

and sent the message "so I know this is a bad pic for multiple reasons but the person behind the woman's butt looks just like an older version of you."
4. Me, trying to bounce away my nerves. I was listening to "I'm Alive" from the show I am presently obsessed with-- Next to Normal. I am completely in love with Aaron Tveit; his voice is absolutely beautiful. He is in the world premiere of Catch Me if You Can at the 5th Ave theatre right now. I saw it, and it's a great show. He makes me smile.
5. Xuny made me laugh? I don't remember what it was about; most likely it was that she didn't remember how many hott boys went to baseball games, and that she said she'd been missing out for most of her life.
6. Yay, warming up! I wish I would have had that luxury. I hadn't sung for the past 2 hours until show time.
7. a) I had asked where I was supposed to look--was there a flag? My mom said it'd probably be on the screen (which it was, but there was a tiny flag by the screen. The two people I stand with later in the video tell me that I should look out towards the mountain and not at the screen because I might be singing to myself. Also, if I would like to sing to myself, they didn't want to know that.)
b) The man asking "where're your gloves at?" was not directed at me.
8. It was tropical day at the game. The flamingo's name was Pinky. Original, yes? The girl I was standing with (I don't remember names... Did she even give me her name?) asked if I wanted to wear her lei. I said no thanks, I'd be too distracted, or just feel strange. She said that it'd probably ruin my cute outfit, also. It did take me a long time to figure out what I wanted to wear; I have a pretty large closet (but I don't spend tooo much money to get my clothes; I hate brand names/fads), and I'm very picky about what I wear. I had fun talking to those two before I went on. We had a great conversation about how much my country would hate me if I sat down and wore a hat. There was a reason this came up, but I think it doesn't matter too much (the other girl wanted to sit--that was the beginning of the conversation).
9. The announcer dude (What was his name?) announces the starting line-up. I used the screams as a mini warm-up. I felt kind of awkward.
10. a) The National Anthem. My friend, Madeline, told me that she remembers in kindergarten I told the class that I was changing my last name from "Hel-mioo-th" to "Hel-muh-th". I thought of her when the announcer said my name. I was super nervous in the beginning, but I was proud by the end. :) Can you see my purple lowlights? Teehee.
b) I was on the big screen. My mommy told me I looked beautiful, which is a good thing, seeing as how my head would have been, like, 20feet by 30 feet large up on that screen.

The very first hit was a home run. By the other team, but that's besides the point. We hoped my singing motivated them. Aquasox had their own home run, so that was good. I know very little about baseball, I get really bored at the games...
Anyways, I had fun. We didn't stay the whole game (but I lasted 7 innings!), last time I looked at the scoreboard it was 4 to 4 which made me giggle. I'm obsessed with the number four.

<3
Have a nice day!

Come See Pippin! (Reprise)

2009-07-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

Three successful shows completed. I encourage everyone to try and come see the show! If you do come, I encourage you, also, to bring a fan. It gets pretty hot in the space we perform in.
Here's a picture of (most of) our cast that I photoshopped. I post-processed and took most of the pictures in the show, and everyone's head shots in the hallway.

Our director sent this out to the cast about our show:

A friend of mine dragged her non theatre-goer boyfriend last night,
and this is what he said:
"I was afraid of a bad show when I saw how young the actors were...
You were right, you totally forget their ages and just get enthralled
by them" Apparently, he agreed to go to do something social but he
wasn't convinced until the show started that these were real actors.
Not only that, but he never ever sings, and you guys got him to
sing.
How freaking cool is that!

Also, this Sunday (tomorrow; I'm a procrastinator) and next Sunday I will sing three of my songs before the show even starts--sort of an opening-act-to-a-concert feel.

Performances July 9th throught July 25th, 7 pm shows Thursdays through Saturdays. 2 pm matinees 12th and 19th.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. You can purchase tickets at www.brownpapertickets.org

Balagan Theatre
1117 East Pike St
Seattle, WA 98122

www.balagantheatre.org

Pippin!

2009-07-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here's my cast of Pippin doing one of our warm-ups before my camera decided (once again) to corrupt the rest of my files.

Come see Pippin!

Balagan Theatre presents Pippin,with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson.
Performances July 9th throught July 25th, 7 pm shows Thursdays through Saturdays.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. You can purchase tickets at www.brownpapertickets.org

Balagan Theatre
1117 East Pike St
Seattle, WA 98122
www.balagantheatre.org

A Change In Me

2009-07-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

I sang this for a recent recital.

Memorial - Funeral song “You’re Near”

2009-06-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Amy Helmuth wrote lyrics to her first song entitled "You're Near" after attending and singing for two of five memorial - funeral services for loved ones, with more than enough inspiration, Helmuth wanted to have an original song to sing at future memorial services to take place of the ever-popular “Amazing Grace” and of which would have the soul purpose of comforting the whole crowd attending the service to remind them the person of remembrance is—and will always be—near in spirit.

Note:
Amy is available to sing live at memorial / funeral services
email: amy@amyhelmuth.com

Good luck to my sister Molly Helmuth

2009-06-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish my sister Molly Helmuth a great Gold Cup weekend were Molly will be competing in Canada against the best drivers in the Rotax kart series.

The Rotax racing karts can reach a speed of 60 to 70 miles per hour and shifter karts can reach a top speed of over 100 mph.

Molly Helmuth is sponsored by:

Security Imaging Corp

Squires Machine

DealerNet

Jana Helmuth CPA

"Molly Helmuth racing is always looking for more sponsors."

CATS!, Aquasox, Senior Project

2009-05-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Click here for CATS! tickets.
Opening night is on thursday, and tickets are (if not already) selling out FAST!

Also, I sang for Aquasox Idol and received a 26/30 so I will sing during the national anthem during their next season!

For my senior project, Kerry and I are going to learn more about lighting, photoshop, makeup, and over-all creative design. We completed our first official "photoshoot" yesterday. Following this are a few pictures. We'll be looking for mentors soon to guide us along the process.

Amy Helmuth - Live at the Brick - Roosevelt H.S Cats

2009-04-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the quality of the video. We had to work with my small digital camera, and apparently its video abilities are very limited.
Other than being a little frustrated that it seemed like people weren't paying attention to me, I got over that when I--after eating pizza at Village Pizza with my mother-- received compliments for my performance. I'll definitely try and do something like this again, and hopefully I can put a band together. When there's a live band playing, they're so loud that the audience has to listen because it's too noisy to have conversations... I think that's an advantage of some sort.

Tickets for my high school's spring musical, CATS, go on sale starting May 1st.

It's not what you're expecting. CATS, I mean. You're probably thinking that we'll all be crawling around in spandex and meowing a lot, right? Wrong. We're wearing real clothes... but we do have cat touches to our costumes. It should be interesting, and I encourage you to come!

Also, I did try and find out what happened with the Make or Rake the Band contest, and I was never told who the winner was, or even how I did! It's probably one of the most annoying things in the entire world, but I thank each and every person who voted for me, and it really showed me how amazing you all are!

Northgate Journal Story

2009-04-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Northgate Journal has written a story about my music.

Download Story PDF

Amy Helmuth - Everett Starts Search for Next "AquaSox" Idol

2009-04-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have signed up for this audition.
Date: May 16, 2009
Time: 11AM
Location: Northgate Mall

2009 SEARCH FOR THE NEXT "AQUASOX IDOL"
The hunt for the next "AquaSox Idol" is back! The Everett AquaSox Baseball Club will conduct a tryout at Northgate Mall on Saturday, May 16, for hopefuls to sing the Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America and O' Canada at Sox games during the 2009 season. Registration for the tryouts is underway, and is limited to the first 60 applicants. Once registered, each applicant will be assigned a scheduled time to audition before a panel of judges at the tryout. Read more...

A Song for Tough Economic Times:

2009-03-20T08:20:00.001-07:00

Seattle Teen Encourages People to “Don’t Give Up” on Debut CD

FOR RELEASE:
IMMEDIATE

Seattle, March 20, 2009 -- Seventeen-year-old Amy Helmuth thinks big. So when the young singer first heard “Don’t Give Up,” she saw it not just as a catchy pop tune, but as a message to people struggling through our country’s current economic crisis.

“I hope the song puts a smile on people’s faces,” said Helmuth, who recorded the song by Dalona Foster and Chelsi Lee Marie for her debut, four-single CD, “Don’t Give Up.”

When Helmuth first heard the song in the recording studio, she couldn’t help but smile. “The beat made me bounce in my seat,” she said. Helmuth knows that no song can make up for losing a job or home, or both, but she hopes its message will give people a sense of hope—or at least help them forget their troubles for a while.

At just five feet tall, Helmuth hardly looks like someone who could take on such a big challenge. What this petite high school junior lacks in height, though, she makes up for in spunk. “I’m a little person, but I don’t let anybody push me around,” she said.

A student at Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Helmuth has been active in musical theater since second grade. She has performed in numerous productions with Broadway Bound Children’s Theater. She wrote her first song, “You’re Near,” in 2007 after losing several loved ones within months of each other.

In addition to the title track “Don’t Give Up,” Helmuth’s CD includes “You’re Near,” “Rendezvous” and “Queen.” To sample her music, purchase the CD or buy MP3 downloads of any of the songs, visit Helmuth’s web site, www.amyhelmuth.com. The CD costs $6.50 (shipping included). Downloads are 99 cents per song. Copies of the CD are also available at Silver Platters—Northgate, 9560 1st Ave. N.E., in Seattle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Amy Helmuth
Email: Amy@amyhelmuth.com
www.securityimaging.com

Yay!

2009-03-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, there were 122 people who visited my page which is the most I've ever had! 122 people may not seem like that many, but it really is a huge, exciting accomplishment. I want to thank all of you for your support in this contest, and remind you to keep spreading the word to vote until Monday at 3 when the Ron and Don show airs and voting closes.

Next time, I WON'T use speakerphone.

2009-03-06T20:56:00.001-08:00

Click here to hear the interview with the Ron and Don Show!

The Ron and Don show called me for a short interview. Take a listen.

Battle of the bands..

2009-03-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

If you like my song "Rendez-vous" please give me a vote.

Click to enter the Ron & Don Show

Where two FM radio stars tell you your band's no good!

It's another round of Ron & Don: Make or Rake the Band. Give them a listen then scroll down to tell us who you think is best. The winner for each week will be entered to play LIVE on the Ron and Don Show's Friday Happy Hour at the end of the month!

Copy and paste this into your own e-mail to support me in this contest! :D

Amy Helmuth has been chosen out of hundreds of bands as one of five finalists for the Ron and Don Show "Make or Rake the Band" contest. Right now, out of those five bands, Amy is in 4th place, and as she was live on the radio earlier today with Ron and Don, she was challenged to get more votes in any way so she doesn't lose. As the only girl in the race, she is competing against a 12 year-old boy, a band who lives in California (isn't this is a LOCAL contest?), and two others which she doesn't know much about.
What she's asking is I pass along this e-mail to as many people as I know so we can help her stay in the running.

You MUST vote before Monday morning, so it is crucial to take two minutes to visit this link: http://www.amyhelmuth.com, click on the "click to enter the Ron and Don Show" (just follow it, trust me it leads you to the correct spot), vote for Amy Helmuth, and then forward this e-mail to as many people as possible.

This should, like I've said, only take two minutes out of your busy schedules to complete this task--unless you're still getting used to the whole... computer generation, and it may then take you more like five minutes.

Amy's on a mission, and even if she doesn't win this contest, it's worth the time to support her by listening to her music on her blog, and leave a comment while you're there!

Thank you for your time.

(P.S., Amy wrote this entire letter.
I'm thinking that if I type in the third person, It'll sound more urgent and formal. Did it work?)
:)

Press Release...

Rest in Peace, Ezra.

2009-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

We will never forget you.

His family stayed so strong, and I don't possibly know how.
I can truly dedicate "You're Near" to Ezra and anyone who knows him... If only I was able to do more.

I'd also like to take this time to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who has supported me and my music so far. I have grown so much knowing I can help comfort those through the toughest times.

I'm sorry I don't have anything less cliche to type... but thank you. Thank you all.

Back from New York City!

2009-02-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

Before I get into all the fun details, I first need to spotlight a fellow Broadway Bound family who needs all our prayers. Ezra Sherman, also known as one of "The Twins" in my Wizard of Oz cast, was sent to the ICU at the Children's Hospital very recently, being treated with chemotherapy for some rare kind of cancer. No one knows what the outcome will be at this point in time, but we all hope for the best. Here's his blog: http://ezrasherman.blogspot.com/
Stay strong and hang in there, Ezra and family.

On a lighter note, I came back from NYC with my drama group yesterday. Though exhausted and sick, I had a great time. I stayed home from school today to catch up on a little homework, unpack and do laundry. I saw In the Heights, Billy Elliot, Mary Poppins, Stomp, The Little Mermaid, and the Blue Man Group. Stomp was by far my favorite. We stayed in a hotel that was less than a ten minute walk from times square, and four minutes from the empire state building. I did a lot of shopping, and had some strange subway experiences. We went on a couple tours, and took plenty of pictures.

I met Heidi Blickenstaff, who played herself in Title of Show, and who played Ursula in The Little Mermaid. It basically made my trip.

I also made a new friend: Billy the Squirrel. Named after the main character in Billy Elliot, of course. I met this squirrel in Central Park, and when I snapped, he'd stand up. I was also able to get super close to him. It was super exciting.

We were able to talk to a casting director, the founder of Hudson Studios, the musical director of Legally Blonde, and a graduate of our high school who now works on Broadway!
I love New York.
A lot.

"You're Near" has also been requested multiple times lately for permission to be played at funerals. I only hope it can keep bringing comfort to those who need it most.
My final CD was dropped onto my bed tonight! Information on how to purchase it is on my previous posting. It's all become a reality now!
:D

CD Now Available

2009-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

My CD entitled "Don't Give Up" is now available for purchase!
Until I get distribution you can place orders through my dads company, "Security Imaging". 1-800-877-7033
Price: $6.50 includes shipping (USA)

It's over..

2009-01-17T22:09:00.001-08:00

Wizard of Oz is over. I can't tell you if I'm happy, or sad, or what. I'm glad I have more time to do homework and such, but I'll miss getting to answer to being called over as Dorothy. I received flowers and candy tonight! Plus I was asked to be in pictures, and sign autographs. It was great. I'll miss it. There's a cast party next Tuesday, so we didn't say goodbye completely, but the real fun is over.

If anyone who recorded the performance can make a dvd for me, that'd be SOO amazing!

Today's my 17th birthday! My Golden Birthday. I'm glad I was able to share it with 400+ people. :)

I also went to the arcade down by the water today with my best friend and got two jackpots on games. Overall, with 25 dollars we got 1015 tickets, and traded them for two strobe lights, a can of Sprite, two lollipops, and two jolly ranchers. It was fantastic.

I'm exhausted.

New Year, New News.

2009-01-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

Wizard of Oz has went well. Dress rehearsal was a nightmare, but opening night (minus a few "issues" which the audience got a kick out of, including me locking myself into the jail cell, and losing the robot toto backstage) went well, and today's show was a little less than 100 percent better (or at least I thought so..). I signed a few autographs and met a lot more little kids. Remember when I was Tinkerbell and talked with a lot of little kids, and they were so nervous to talk to me? That happened this time, also, but this time I was a little more prepared with things to ask.
I wish I had pictures of the show to post, but there's a new rule where no photos or videos are allowed to be taken. There won't even be a main video... I really hope my parents break that rule at least this once; to have no memorabilia of being Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz is really saddening for me.
There's only one show left! Next weekend, on my "Golden" Birthday; January 17th (at 7 pm). Go to www.broadwaybound.org to order tickets. There's only a few left, so buy them right away!
Yesterday was the Individual Events Festival for thespians in the Seattle area. Our school was the largest, and had the most performers make it into the top ten and twenty percent of all performances. The festival consists of performing pieces in set rooms in front of an adjudicator who judges your piece and writes down feedback. The categories to enter into are group musical, solo musical, duet musical, mime, monologue, duo scene, and group scene. I prepared a monologue and a solo musical song. Unfortunately, I didn't realize one was supposed to have two contrasting monologues.. so I had to remember one from a long time ago while on the bus to the festival. All in all, I was very flustered, and tired from only five and a half hours of sleep, so I didn't do so well. There's always next year.
On better news, the cast list for Roosevelt's musical, Cats, went up this past week. Without a call-back, I was surprised to see my name listed under "Principle Singers"! It was exciting. The list is very strange this year, only six or so roles were actually casted, and the rest will be casted during the rehearsal process. The retreat is in two weeks, and then my trip to New York with the drama department is the following week. I'll be busy, and I'm so ready. After I am able to transfer out of APUSH, my life will be (hopefully) a lot less hectic.

Until I have more news, I have nothing else to update. Thanks for reading!
-Amy

Life goes on...

2008-12-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

I put up a slideshow. You now have something remotely interesting to look at while you listen to my music! A few of those pictures are from the photoshoot I did with my Dad a while ago for album covers. Neither of us could agree on the main picture, so we have to go and retake them at some point. Now that we've waited until it's twenty degrees outside, icy, and just way too cold for me to look happy (I don't like being cold), the shoot will be interesting.

Last week were the auditions for CATS-- the musical at my school. I did well, but did not receive a callback. Oh, well. That's showbiz.

Instead of the musical, I have to get my grades up (I have three B's... in contrast to the 4.0 I used to have), take Driver's-Ed eventually (having my "golden birthday" on January 17th, I'm a little behind on that whole process), learn how to promote myself instead of relying on my father to do everything... my mother told me all of this in the car a few hours ago, so it's fresh in my mind.

Also, if you haven't already, I advice ordering tickets to come and see Wizard of Oz next month! I'm excited for it, and I want to share the experience with anyone and everyone!

Hopefully, my CD will be purchasable soon. Looking forward to that also, of course.

Back in the studio...

2008-11-20T12:56:00.001-08:00

I was in the recording studio on wednesday. Two more songs completed!
These still need work but let me know what you think, please! Merci beaucoup!

Song dedication

2008-11-11T08:19:00.001-08:00

Veterans Day 2008

I would like to dedicate my song "You're Near" to all families who have lost a loved one serving our country, the United States of America.

There's Never a Break

2008-11-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

The first drama 5 Book-it show is finished. We were privileged to perform "School Days" three times; the main evening show (which went amazingly smoothly), fourth period during school, and first period. Starting monday, our class will start a second session with new directors, casts, and short stories... sadly, without Kelly (our acting coach) to help us along.
I've had multiple meetings with Chelsi, my producer, for the next two songs that I will be recording on the 19th (the same week as Dramafest).
Dramafest is going well. So is Wizard of Oz. As everything comes together, I get really excited... but not to mention, nervous.
Our school announced its Winter Production and Musical: A Murder is Announced and Cats. I auditioned for the Winter Production today during drama class. Callbacks will be on Wednesday, so we will see how I do. Wish me luck!

Surprisingly, we have discovered two videos including "You're Near" playing in the background. It's exciting, to have people discover/like my songs! I would appreciate it if anyone reading this plans to do something along those same lines, to at least tell me when they do so. Thank you very much. It might even be possible that I will record a video to at least one of my singles, which has always been something I've wanted to be a part of!

Peter Pan starts performing this weekend! Please look at the right-hand column for more information and come!
:D

New Recording "Rendez-Vous"

2008-11-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest song called "Rendez-Vous"
Click link to listen. A new CD will be available at the end of December.
Hope you like it.

P.S. If your interested in purchasing my CD or a single please give me your email address and I will let you know when songs are available!

~Amy