Cupcake

September 23, 2009 – Delano Elementary Music Presentation
Ms. Peterson invited me to talk to the third graders about the connection between Math and Music at Delano Elementary school. I have been to Delano, one time, and it was when I was 5 years old to pick out a golden retriever puppy. The drive to Delano became challenging when my GPS discovered that Highway 12 was closed for road construction. Road construction follows me everywhere! When the “little car” on the GPS is floating in blue space… that means you are lost. Well, my little car was floating for a while… thankfully I was able to follow the detour signs and safely make it to Delano Elementary School.

The third graders were split into two sessions, each for one hour. I talked about the connection between Math and Music and how they could use Music as a study tool.

After playing Music games, I answered a few question from the students. I thought they would ask questions about Music or American Idol but other topics came up as well. I seem to hear the same ones over and over:

“What does your house look like?”
“How big is your dog?”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”


It seems like all these kids are interested in is my love life. During the second session there was a young boy who was waiting patiently to ask me a question. I finally said I would take one last question, and called on this young boy. He stood up and said proudly “ My brother is 26!” After I smiled he then said, “Just thought you would like to know.” Not sure what he was implying ☺

During my visit, a reporter from the Delano Herald Journal came to cover my presentation. He interviewed me on my background, and why music education is so important to me. He wrote an incredible article, check it out:

http://www.herald-journal.com/archives/2009/stories/miss-minnesota-music.html

The mayor was hoping to come to my music class, but had to work, apparently he had to run the city!!

September 24, 2009 – Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
I met Shelia Smith who is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts to talk about my platform. She and I discussed my platform and opportunities that she recommended I look into. We met at this adorable coffee place called Cupcake. Yes, they do serve cupcakes at 9:30 in the morning. I passed, but I did bring home a Smores Cupcake for my little brother. The cashier offered me a sample cupcake, and I had to take a picture. This is a cupcake that a girl can eat while training for Miss America ☺



Northwest Community Television Interview
I did an interview with Elaine Hall on her show In Our Town. It was a 30-minute program, and a great way to promote my CD, Carry You Through.

September 25, 2009 – Elk River High School Pep Rally
I missed my senior homecoming pep rally because I was flying to San Francisco for my Simon, Paula and Randy, American Idol audition. I was able to relive it at Elk High School, while I performed during their pep rally. The kids were covered head to toe with school spirit, and I was honored to be an “Elk” for the day.





I decided to perform my talent song from Miss Minnesota, and I now know what celebrities feel like during a rock concert. Hearing the cheers from the crowd made it so fun to perform, and I felt like a rock star! I wish I could bring all of them to Las Vegas for my cheering section at Miss America!

After the pep rally, I spoke to Mr. Beaudry’s choir class about my American Idol performance. I sang again for them, and answered questions. I have learned when you go to a school, if you sign one autograph card… you will sign over a 100 autograph cards. Thank goodness I had an hour’s drive to my next appearance to let my hand rest.

Thank you to Mr. Beaudry for setting up this appearance, and I hope everyone at Elk River High School had a wonderful Homecoming!



Great Clips Convention
Great Clips is a supporter of Children’s Miracle Network. Their National Convention was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and I was asked to be in the CMN Booth. I handed out candy, back massagers (a crowd favorite!!), and I signed autograph cards. At the booth I worked with Brad Lake, a representative for Children’s Miracle Network, and Andrea from Gillette’s Children’s Hospital.



September 26, 2009 - The Hartford PACE Race
I sang the National Anthem at Lake Nokomis, and then ran the 5K. This organization’s goal is to make men aware of the dangers of prostate cancer. My Dad ran the race with me but I totally out ran him. He needs to pick up the pace! (get it… pace race…) Sorry, Dad I couldn't resist the one-liner.

Always
Brooke

Just missed Regis Philbin!!

September 14, 2009 – National Anthem Project

The National Association for Music Education launched the National Anthem Project in 2005. The purpose of the National Anthem Project is to encourage the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” especially in our public schools. There are only three schools in the state of Minnesota that participate in this and I took part in the celebration at Chippewa Middle School. That morning over 100 students from Chippewa Middle School carried out their violins, cellos, and violas to perform. They were joined by the 7th and 8th grade choirs. It was so incredible seeing all of the students come together to perform our National Anthem!

I met the choir teacher, Ms. Hershey and she recognized my chaperone Vicki Kueppers, former Miss Minnesota. Turns out that she was Vicki’s first runner up during their pageant years! I love how small the world can be sometimes!

The students had posted pictures all over the school about my appearance. It looked like I was running for class president with all the flyers and pictures of me in the halls!



I was able to speak with Ms. Hershey’s choir class about my experience as Miss Minnesota, and American Idol. I enjoyed performing for them, and answering any questions they had. Thank you to Chippewa Middle School for inviting me to their event.

Twin Cities Live
I had just enough time to run home before I was off to film for Twin Cities Live. I was going to be a model in their fashion segment on fall boots.

Earlier that morning my mom informed me that Regis was going to be on the show! I am a fan of “Live with Regis and Kelly” and watch it during my daily workouts on the treadmill. It was my goal to get a picture with Regis and to discuss football!


I met up with the rest of the models about an hour before the show. As we were getting dressed I was hoping I would hear more details about Regis. All the models had a “twin,” who would be wearing the same outfit but just different boots. One pair of boots was the splurge $$$$$ and the other was the bargain. Before we filmed we were asked to take photos together with our twins, and do a run through. This was my perfect opportunity to get more details about Regis. One of the assistants informed me after I asked “What time will Regis be on set?” that he was there a few days earlier and pre-recorded the interview. I had hoped to meet him and discuss Notre Dame Football with him since my dad and I are fans. My dad usually gets tickets every year for a game; although I always seem to have a school conflict on that particular game day!

September 16, 2009 – Showcase Minnesota
I was featured on the Community Cares segment on Showcase Minnesota on Kare 11 and did an interview with Corbin Seitz. I promoted the ideals of the Miss Minnesota Program and my CD, Carry You Through; here is a link to the interview if you missed it!

http://www.showcaseminnesota.com/show/client_article.aspx?storyid=824537

September 20, 2009 – Lakeville Arts Festival
I performed at the Lakeville Arts Festival on their Show-mobile on Sunday morning. It was very early and the event was just getting going, but I saw a familiar face in the crowd, Margo Danner a volunteer with the Eagan Funfest that I worked with for several years during the Eagan’s July Fourth Festival. I spent 11 AM to 12 Noon performing, signing autograph cards, and selling CD’s.

I do have to confess that the Lakeville Theater was the first time I was kissed on stage and first time I was kissed ever. I was playing Sleeping Beauty and I think about 11 years old at the time. I remember the first time in rehearsal when I found out that there was a kiss involved and I was afraid to tell my parents thinking they might not want me to do the show. So after a family discussion it was decided that this was “theater” and that I could decide, if I was OK with it, then it was up to me. So the rehearsal day finally came! The kiss needed to happen, and of course the boy I was kissing was cute and his father was also in the show playing the king. Everyone was there waiting for this big moment. The funny thing is after it was over I remember thinking “dry lips”, so there you have it my big first kiss.

Twin Cities Orientation
I cannot believe that one year ago I was preparing for the Miss Twin Cities Pageant. Now I am getting ready to hand over my title to a new young woman who will embark on a year of opportunities. I had so much fun seeing Kathy, Judy, and Miss Capital City, Sara. In the midst of the orientation we had fun catching up. I am very excited for this years pageant, the theme is 80’s! The opening number will be to Uptown Girls and guess who is choreographing the dance….. ME! Now, I have made up the dance for the Miss Eagan Pageant for the past few years, so I will just whip out my Hannah Montana moves and we will have an opening dance in no time. Don’t worry girls we will have a lot of step touches, my all time favorite dance move!!!


September 21, 2009 – Ivey Awards
I have never walked the Red Carpet, so when I arrived at the State Theater for the Ivey Awards I was excited to have the chance to be a part of this event to honor the best theater in Minnesota. On the Red carpet I was interviewed about what I was wearing. I had on my Black BCBG short cocktail dress with BCBG black heels and a handcrafted beaded purse. Just getting practice for the Oscars ☺


Always,
Brooke

The End of Summer: Fairs, Interviews, and a Fashion Show!

August 26, 2009 – Musical Theatre Workshop
I was invited by former Miss Minnesota, Vicki Kueppers, to help with a Musical Theatre workshop at St. Agnes School. Each year they put on a sing-a-thon and this year their theme was musical theatre. Since I am a musical theatre major, Vicki asked if I would share some of my knowledge with her students, and perform a few of my favorite songs.

I worked with the choir students at St. Agnes and they were divided into three groups of students. With each group I performed my talent song “Somebody to Love” from the Miss Minnesota pageant. After I performed I shared some thoughts on how the students would go about choosing a musical theatre song, and then the students sang for me. It was a fun afternoon and I cannot wait to see what the students chose to sing at the sing-a-thon.

August 27, 2009 – State Fair
Today was the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair! I don’t think I have ever been to the State Fair on opening day, but I guess a lot of people do go on the first day. The crowds were record breaking!


I learned one rule “do not put your crown and sash on and try to walk through the fair and get to your appearance on time”. Everyone wants a picture, so if you stop, a crowd forms. You could be standing taking pictures for 20 minutes and if it were not for my chaperone telling people I have to go, I would have never made it to Morrie’s Mazda Booth.

At Morrie’s my job was to get people to participate in the Morrie’s Idol Contestant. The song that participants had to sing was “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Even after the 10th time singing I still could not remember anything past the lyric… don’t worry, be happy

After Morrie’s I was off with my chaperone to Garage Logic with Joe Soucheray on KSTP 1500am for a radio interview. Again I was asked for pictures, but my Chaperone said we were running late (I am sorry to the 2 teen girls that wanted a picture, and hopefully I will see you again to take that picture!)


As I came into the little house that the Radio station was located in I saw a familiar face – Marjorie Johnson, famous for her baking, and she was also on Twin Cities Live with me. Marjorie was there to talk about one of her dishes that had won a ribbon at the fair. I love taking pictures with Marjorie because she is the only adult that makes me look tall in photos. The interview was a lot of fun. I was able to perform and talk about Children’s Miracle Network and my CD!

On my way out of the fair I ran into a Robot. Yes, a Robot. A crowd formed around us and the Robot decided to sing to me. It was fun to see the kids faces because the Robot was big and a little scary even for me.





August 30, 2009 – Stiftungfest
My Dad and I were up early to head to Norwood Young America, Minnesota for the celebration of the 148th Stiftungfest. It was so much fun taking part in their festival and I even learned a new dance, the chicken dance! Congratulations to the new royalty, and a huge thank you to the Stiftungfest committee for having me take part in this wonderful event!







September 2, 2009 – State Fair Day 2
Who knew that people would be at the State Fair at 7 o’clock in the morning! I had an interview on WCCO Radio with Dave Lee at 7 AM. I want to give a shout out to my business manager for this one, Thanks Barb!!!!!

Here is a recording of my WCCO radio:http://podcast.830wcco.com/wcco/1933874.mp3

September 4, 2009 – State Fair Day 3
My third and final day at the State Fair started out on a high note! My Chaperone and I found a front row parking spot! I had an interview with Lori and Julia from Radio Station 107.1. I was a little worried about the kind of questions they would ask me because they like to get the scoop on things. Mary Pawlenty, the governor’s wife went on before me and I was glad I had time to hear the questions that they were asking her. During the interview I was able to sing a sample of “Don’t You Dare” from my CD, and they wanted to know all about the CD. We talked about American Idol, Simon Cowell, and Miss America. They asked how much my dress will cost for Miss America, and then even offered to come shop with me! I hope to talk with them again before Miss America in January.



My last interview was at The Patriot radio station. All of the radio stations at the fair have these cute little houses that have a front porch where you sit and do your interview. The Patriot had a really cute house decorated in red, white and blue. During the interview the audience could ask questions. This was great practice for my Miss America interview because you have no idea what people will ask. While I was answering questions a group of teen girls stayed and cheered for me. After doing a number of interviews you start to wonder if anybody is really listening to you so I really love when people do cheer and come up to me after and take the time to wish me good luck at Miss America. I am so honored to represent this state and all the young women in it.



I want to thank my friend Mary who lives in Texas and listens to my radio interviews and always calls me after and tells me good job. Mary has been a great supportive friend and it’s so important to have a great friend in your life. Thanks Mary.

September 11th, 2009 – Around Town Filming
My day started out with a fitting at the Mall of America for the Twin Cities Live fashion show. They are doing a back to school section, and how to find the bargains! I wish they let the models keep the clothing they wear!

For the rest of the afternoon I was filming at Caponi Art Park for this month’s episode of Around Town with Carla Beaurline. She invited me to be a host for the show that will air Wednesday evening September 16th. I talked with Carla before the shoot and she told me I could pick the place to film. I thought the Caponi Ark Park would be perfect because I love to perform, and it would be such a beautiful location.



We spent the next two hours filming the show. Thank you to producer Randy for making sure Carla and me always looked our best. While we were there we ran into Mr. Caponi himself, who I had met previously when I performed with Dakota Valley Summer Pops Orchestra. He even let us interview him on camera! Then we jumped on his golf cart and received a private tour of his studio where he creates the works of art in the sculpture garden. Thank you again to Carla for giving me the opportunity to host with her. I look forward to seeing the final product! Tune in on Wednesday night at 7PM on cable channel 6 for the premiere of the show. You can visit http://www.around-town.tv/ for show times and more information on the show!

September 12th, 2009 – Glitz Grand Opening
Saturday was the grand reopening for Glitz a dress store in the Mall of America. The store moved locations from the first floor to the third floor outside of Nordstrom’s department store. The store is bigger and even has a runway built in the middle of the store.

Glitz is a sponsor of the Miss Minnesota pageant and a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the grand opening will go towards Children Miracles network.

I arrived at the store around 10 AM to meet up with Bethany Pearson, Ms. You Can Do It for Minnesota, and Andrea from Gillette’s. They both helped me set up everything for my CD, and the CMN table in the store. Bethany Pearson is such an incredible girl. I had such a blast getting to know her, and she kept me laughing the whole day! She is such an inspiration.

Along with supporting Children’s Miracle Network, Bethany and I were invited to participate in the fashion show for Glitz grand reopening. We were able to wear three beautiful dresses and walk the runway. It was such a fun day, and thank you to Maryanne, the owner of Glitz and her entire staff for making this possible.


Always
Brooke