An American Idol of Their Own

The birds stop chirping. The crickets cease their songs. When Friendship Collegiate Academy (FCA) music teacher, Teriauna Harris, parts her lips to blow melodies into the wind, the halls of the Washington, D.C. charter school are on pause. 

After the announcement was made that Ms. Harris was “going to Hollywood,” as a contestant on the hit reality television show
American Idol, she was celebrated by students and colleagues who dream of one day pursuing their passions. Ms. Harris advanced to the next round of the fifth season of the American Idol competition after a week of auditions in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

“This wasn’t my first time auditioning,” Harris said. However, she was encouraged by friends and family to try one more time.
No stranger to the music industry, Ms. Harris has had an opportunity to train in master classes with legendary performers Leontyne Price and Denyse Graves, shined on the stage of the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, and sang as a soloist on recorded projects. 

As a beloved choir director, Ms. Harris can be called anything but selfish. Kamil Hazel describes her best friend as “talented, honest, and compassionate.” When asked by a student if she will return to FCA after stardom comes her way, Ms. Harris confirmed she would. 

“I’d like to purchase choir robes and musical instruments for the music department,” Harris commented. The audience during a taping of the Coffeedreamz show on iqradio.net cheered and clapped with elation. 

Before heading to Hollywood, Ms. Harris was honored with a send off party at the FCA. “Hooray for Hollywood” was well attended by staff, students, and parents. Admission was five dollars, but Ms. Harris wanted proceeds to benefit the after school programs at FCA. 

As Ms. Harris continues to follow her dreams, she inspires others to do the same.