CLASS OF 2020: Featuring Shaylin B. Creative! Committed! Courageous!
Shaylin B pictured above. Photo courtesy of Shaylin B.
Student Interviews on the Impact of the Arts
The Burbank Arts for All Foundation is proud to highlight students in the CLASS OF 2020 who have been part of the robust arts community in Burbank Unified School District classrooms. We hope you enjoy reading about their experiences and getting to know them as we celebrate an important milestone in their lives: high school graduation.
Today, we present to you Shaylin B, who sang, danced, and acted through the John Burroughs High School’s performing arts program. Shaylin is deferring her acceptance to Howard University until next year so that she can focus on her acting and singing career. Congratulations Shaylin!
“The advice I would give younger students is never to dim your light to please others. One thing I’ve been taught is to remain humble and unapologetically be myself. Sometimes, my confidence, passion, or bubbly personality may come off as strong, but I will never dim my light.”
Hello, I am Shaylin B. I am 18 years old, and I am a performer – I sing, write songs, produce, act, and dance.
What was your first experience with the arts while in the Burbank Unified Schools?
My first experience with the arts was at John Burroughs High School, where I was on the Dance Team during my freshman year. My first love will always be singing, so I was really in my element when I got the best of both worlds by singing and dancing as a member of the Powerhouse choir at John Burroughs.
What art experience in the schools are you most proud of, and how did it impact you?
The art experience I am most proud of is my Burroughs on Broadway performance from junior year. I performed the song Lying There, from the musical Edges, which challenged my vocal ability, range, and breathing techniques. It required a lot of belting, and I was terrified! I used to always belt as a child, but as I got older, I began to work on my head voice so much that I forgot about making my chest voice just as strong. However, with the training I received from Jenny Strattan, I was able to let go and belt the highest that I ever have, beautifully and confidently. That moment showed me that, with hard work and dedication, I could achieve anything.
What advice do you have for younger students interested in doing something like what you do?
The advice I would give younger students is never to dim your light to please others. One thing I've been taught is to remain humble and unapologetically be myself. Sometimes, my confidence, passion, or bubbly personality may come off as strong, but I will never dim my light. Some people, especially in the industry, will try to tear down your confidence, which I have experienced multiple times. However, when that happens, I continue to push harder. I remember the gift God has given me is one of a kind and something that nobody can take away from me. Another piece of advice I would give is never to be afraid to take risks. If the situation doesn't scare you or push you out of your comfort zone, you will never grow. Even if you fail at your first attempt, mistakes are needed to progress in life. You must broaden your horizons and explore different opportunities to see growth.
Please share your plans for your future after graduation. Are you going on to college? If so, where and what do you hope to study?
Currently, I am a lead character in a new Dreamworks animation television series, so I will be recording for that project while working with music producers to release new music. For these reasons, I have deferred my acceptance to Howard University, where I will attend as a Jazz Major, until the Fall of 2021.
Listen to Shaylin's new single above!