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A Talk With Radio Disney Star Tiffany Giardina
3/30/2009 8:17 PM EST
Recently Tiffany Ramsey of Magical Mountain had the chance to interview Radio Disney star, Tiffany Giardina, about her life and her music....1. How did you first get into acting and music?
I took an interest in theater at the age of five. I stuck with it because I loved it.
2. What inspires you when you are singing?
When I am performing, the crowd inspires me. I feed off the energy of the kids and give the same energy back. It's a really great feeling.
3. I read that you are doing a Music Education tour. Can you explain what that is?
The Music Education Tour is an amazing tour and an amazing idea. It teaches children about many aspects of the music industry, music education and music theory. It's a program that normally would not be available to the children, but we are bringing a lesson on Music Education to them. The program starts off with interesting facts about how music can shape your life. Music is more than and iPod or the Radio, and we make sure everyone knows that. After the presentation, I perform more than half of the songs on my new album, "No Average Angel!" Then I do a Q&A with the kids followed by an autograph signing and picture session. It's a fun and educational day for the students and the response has been overwhelming. Most importantly they learn how music can make you a better person.
4. What made you decide to work with Disney; were you approached by them or did you pursue working for the company?
I am from a small, Independent record label called 785 Records, based out of NYC, my hometown. Disney gave me the opportunity to record the song " Shine" for the Tinker Bell Soundtrack ! I love Tink so I was really excited to work on the project. I am very grateful to have been a part of this experience .
My song "No Average Angel" is currently featured on the Radio Disney Top 30 Countdown. Everyone at Radio Disney has been great to me. I met many of the DJ 's, and they are really funny guys. I can't believe how many kids call in and request my on RD, I am so grateful for my fans and love them all!
5. Like a lot of Disney stars I've read that you volunteer for many charities. Which charities do you volunteer? And what advice give to other teens about volunteering.
I have been involved in charities long before I was in the music industry, my family makes a habit of giving back and I learn by example. I have been involved with the Ronald McDonald House because a family member of mine helps run the organization. This sparked my interest to get involved and make a difference. I asked children at my birthday parties to bring an unwrapped gift to my party instead of a gift for me. I would bring these gifts down to the RMH, hoping it would put a smile on their faces. It's turned into something I continue to do every year. I also am part of Gabriella's Angel Foundation, helping find a cure for Leukemia. I've attended their annual gala every year since I was 10. I see so many kids giving and enjoying the gift of giving. On my MySpace, I've listed some of my favorite charities to give my fans an idea of how they can help.
6. You were in the "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience". What was it like walking the red carpet.
It was fun and the red carpet was truly "purple"! I was excited to be there and be a part of the Jonas 3D Experience. It was a great opportunity to support the boys. I really enjoyed meeting some of the Radio Disney people at the event. Being from New York, I have never met some of them in person.
What was it like working with the Jonas Brothers?
Well, actually Nick and I grew up together. We met when we were about 9 and did a play together called the "The Sound of Music". We have been close friends ever since. I also did a Radio Disney event with the Jonas Brothers in NYC when we were younger. Our friendship seems more important to me than working with them though. As a new artist, I just want to get out there and let everyone hear my music.
7. What other celebrities have you worked with?
My music is in the movie Another Cinderella Story, which features Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley. The 2 songs are my single "No Average Angel" and a favorite of mine called "Hurry up and Save Me". Both songs have two videos, both directed by Andrew Bennett. They were a blast to make! Andrew also directed the Jonas Brothers' video for "Year 3000". Other celebrities I have recently worked with were the stars of the NBA! I had the opportunity to sing the Star Spangle Banner at the Rookie Challenge and the Slam Dunk contest in Phoenix. I got to hang out with Corbin Bleu, who did the halftime show, and
I actually met Shaq!
8. Which ones would you like to work with in the future?
There are many singer and actresses I admire and would like to work with. I don't know what the future holds. Being 15, I can't wait to see what's next for me as an artist.
9. Do you go to regular school or do you have a tutor? Is it hard to fit in school work into your busy schedule?
Up until 9th grade I attended a regular school, but this year I tried out homeschooling. I really love it. I have a great tutor and he makes it fun to learn.
We take advantage of NYC and we go to museums such as the MET and the Museum of Natural History. I've also continued my French Studies on Ichat. This has been a great year for me and the homeschooling has allowed me to continue my career.
10. Do you have advice for kids out there who would like to have a career in film or on stage?
Honestly, I have been to some middle school and local high school productions and I see some major talent out there. So what I mean is that you don't always have to been in the entertainment industry to enjoy being an artist. If you love singing, film or stage work, just continue doing what you love and enjoy the journey.
About Tiffany Giardina
The 15-year-old singer/songwriter is ready to make her mark on the scene with the release of her highly anticipated pop-rock album, "No Average Angel" in stores and online January 20th. The fast paced, up-beat album is filled with instant hits! They are songs all young teens and tweens can relate to-from boys, and summer to ups and downs, Tiffany covers it all.
With singles "No Average Angel" & "Hurry Up and Save Me" being featured on the Another Cinderella Story soundtrack, starring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley, and her song "Shine" featured on the soundtrack for Disney's Tinkerbell, Tiffany is truly excited about the release of her full length album.
Tiffany premiered her new songs to children up and down the East Coast on a hugely successful Summer Camp Tour followed by an even more successful Middle School Tour. She was also a featured act on three special Live Nation events alongside Keke Palmer, has opened up for the Naked Brothers Band at the famous Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ and has opened for the Jonas Brothers in a Disney Concert Series.
Tiffany has also participated in many special events in 2008 such as the Stamford Thanksgiving Parade in Stamford, CT. She also performed at New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree Lighting alongside Patti LaBelle, Gavin Degraw and Push Play. Bloomingdales welcomed Tiffany during the Holiday season for a Meet & Greet in their White Plains, NY location. Tiffany also performed at Planet Hollywood in Times Square, NY in November 2008 debuting her great new band.
She's already hot on the press trail stopping by high profile magazines such as Seventeen, Popstar!, J-14, M , Astro Girl , Quiz Fest, and Twist. Look out for features on Tiffany in upcoming spring issues!
Past credits include Off-Broadway roles in the beloved musical, Annie, where she played Molly as well as roles in Peter Pan and The Sound of Music. She has also appeared in national commercials for Sherwin-Williams Paint, Major League Baseball, and Cheerios and in comedy sketches on Saturday Night Live and the Late Show with David Letterman.
In her down time Tiffany works with the Ronald McDonald House, the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, Outreach ALS, Gabrielle's Angel Foundation and many other charities, doing whatever she can to help their causes.
For more information and to check out her music visit Tiffany on her Official Website and her Myspace page! www.myspace.com/tiffanygiardina or purchase her album at Amazon.com.
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