This wasn’t a typical Friday at the St. Sebastian School situated near the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles. On March 26th, the K-8th graders were treated to a rare celebrity visit by American Idol Season One Runner-Up Justin Guarini. As part of Music in Our Schools Month, Justin gave back by visiting his littlest fans – music students at the St. Sebastian School.

The students got to hear all about Justin’s experience growing up, learning music, and their favorite topic – what it was like to be on American Idol and sing for Simon Cowell and the other judges. One child asked, “Is Simon as mean in real life as he is on TV?” Justin recalled an incident when Simon moved faster than lightning to save a cockroach backstage, showing a side of Simon that people don’t always see on Idol. The atmosphere was electric – Justin sang his own song “Missing You,” and a Hank Williams, Sr. classic, “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,” which included an indelible improvisational whistling section.

When asked what inspires him to make music, Justin answered – “Life. What happens every day can be an inspiration for my music, what I experience, what I feel in my heart.” Other questions delved more into his personal life. One question got huge giggles from the audience - “Who’s your girl?” Justin happily talked about his wife, who was his former long-time girlfriend. Read about Justin’s recent marriage.

“This visit is a continuation of my initiative to help save music in schools,” Justin stated. In a time when district cuts threaten music education programming in Los Angeles, his visit helped to highlight the dire need for local and national support for continuation of music education programs. With the help of local nonprofit Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA), St. Sebastian School is sustaining a thriving school-wide music program. Last Spring ETM-LA arranged a visit for St. Sebastian students to attend an American Idol rehearsal, and the 501(c)3 nonprofit partners with the school to provide in-school yearlong music education for every child. To learn more about Education Through Music - Los Angeles, visit their website at etmla.org.

Justin was ecstatic for the opportunity to share his experience. “Music and music education has allowed me to fulfill my life’s dream.” Principal Ed Hermeno shared, “Our school community is very excited about the visit. Every opportunity like this is another opportunity to plant seeds for our students, of what their own future might hold.” Justin also underscored the importance of having a dream and working hard at it. “Put in all the hard work so you can have fun doing what it is you want.” For Justin, working hard has paid off as he is able to live his dream and inspire others to do the same.

View photos of Justin working with the students at St. Sebastian School.

Speaking of kids and music, American Idol won the Kids’ Choice Award this Saturday, March 27th for Favorite Reality Show. This is American Idol’s fourth consecutive KCA win!