By Alec Carlson
Staff Writer
Listening to music and studying simultaneously can be helpful for some and daunting for others.
Senior Lauren Bendig began singing around her home at the age of four.
“When I was younger, I would always ask my parents to get the video camera out, and I would sing with my blue plastic toy guitar for hours,” Bendig said. “In a way, I would make my own music videos out of nonsense.”
Bendig’s first big performance was the Mira Costa Talent Show her freshman year where she performed “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer and for the first time received recognition from more than just her family. Performing in the talent show helped her gain the confidence to share her musical abilities.
“It was amazing seeing my twin performing in front of such a huge crowd. I could not have been more proud,” Lauren’s sister, senior Claire Bendig, said.
In fourth grade, Bendig added to her love of singing and learned to play the guitar. Her inspiration for music stemmed from her cousin, who played the guitar. Bendig initially began to teach herself how to play and started taking lessons at Dietz Bros. Music Co.
“Whenever we would go to visit my cousin’s house, she would play for us,” Bendig said. “All I can remember is being mesmerized by it. All I wanted to do was play. I asked my parents if I could take lessons, so they signed me up for classes at Dietz and bought me my first real guitar.”
The summer prior to Bendig’s freshman year, she created a YouTube channel to broaden her audience and display her abilities. Bendig would post a video once to twice a week in-between juggling school work.
“When school got difficult, music helped me ease the ache of everyday nonsense,” Bendig said. “Though I still had to worry about getting work done, I would always find time for music.”
Bendig gives private guitar lessons from her home. Her students consist of elementary to high school kids who she meets with several days a week.
“When I had Lauren teach me, I learned a lot,” senior Philip Abdoo said. “She had patience with me when I had difficulty understanding something.”
Bendig has given a valiant effort to incorporating music into her college-planning process.
“Lauren’s love for her music comes out every time she sings or plays her guitar,” Bendig’s mother, Joanne Bendig, said. “If she is lucky to use it in some capacity to make a living, it would be a blessing.”
Bendig hopes to work as a musical therapist for those with special needs. Bendig also aspires to become a performing singer- songwriter.
“I think that the future holds positive things for Lauren,” senior Noelle Medbery said. “Her drive to create powerful and personable music is inspiring.”
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