Inspiration. When you find it, it is your choice whether or not to use it. Fourteen- year-old Brook Harris has over and over again chosen to see a blue sky and silver lining in the hardships life has dealt. She feels inspired to write and perform her own music, which in return has inspired hundreds who have had the pleasure of hearing her indie pop performances interlaced with a flavor of rock-jazz.
Brook was only six when she performed on stage for the first time. Her study of piano and guitar as well as voice rounds out her toolbox for creating new songs, many with the themes of love and courage, conquering adversity, and believing in yourself.
Brook stands by the motto of a good friend and musical mentor when she says, “We were created to be creative.” She draws on the complex emotions of suddenly losing her mom at the age of seven, living in a blended family, as well as the pressures on teenage girls in today’s ‘my space world’ to enthuse each new song. Her songs not only have catchy rhythms, they hold messages of hope in which we can all relate.
The talented teen is a very busy budding star of the Fraser Valley. In addition to being a Valley Voice finalist (www.valley-voices.ca), she is a regular anthem singer at WHL Chilliwack Bruins and AHL Abbotsford Heat hockey games. Brook has played the lead role in Clayburn Middle School’s musical productions; in 2009 she cleverly performed Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and in 2010 she played the beautiful Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. Additionally, Brook has won two Abbotsford School District public speaking trophies. With a heart for her community and those less fortunate, she raised $1000.00 in her first coffee shop concert in December 2009 for Cyrus Centre, a local centre for homeless teens.
In January 2010, Brook won a $500 Music Bursary and a chance to sing with The Christian Tenors during their concert. Other accomplishments of Brook’s are as follows:
2008 B.C. Junior Talent Search 2nd place
2008 B.C. Idol Top 10 Finalist
2008 Red Robinson Classic Semi-Finalist
2009 B.C. Junior Talent Search Finalist
2009 Valley Voices Top 10 Finalist
2009 YTV the Next Star 3rd Round Finalist
Brook looks to the future as one looks to adventure. At a young age she has learned that whatever comes her way will provide a chance to grow as a musician as well as a person. Brook’s motto for her future is, “I’ll never stop developing my musical abilities, because I will never be done.”