Combining her gift of writing with her love of music and theatre, CDS 8th grade Alumni, Laine Melendy, has turned the page on a new chapter in her life. At the age of 35, Laine has put her poetry to music and successfully released three songs. "I lost someone very close to me about 6-months ago. I have always enjoyed music and theater and written my own songs. This person always wanted me to pursue it, so I have been channeling my grief into starting a music career."
Laine's first song, "What If", was written as a poem, never intended for a song, directly after learning of her loved ones passing. The second, "With Love" was written in the middle of a difficult time with the same person. "My process in writing music has always been birthed from grief. It's a coping mechanism for me and I write every day. I'm just glad I get to do something positive with it! I write, arrange, and perform all of my own music. I try to be honest about who I am and take the listeners on a journey with me that it’s okay to be who you are. I am a proud LGBTQ artist."
Fun facts about Laine:
- She started writing at CDS actually in journals as poetry- and participated in the talent shows playing piano and singing Shania Twain!
- She was in Annie (role of Pepper) and The Secret garden productions through CDS’ musical theater program and also sang at her 8th-grade graduation.
- Laine was a cheerleader at CDS and continued to cheer with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- She started writing music when her friend passed when she was 16 - she entered and won her high school talent show with that song senior year, as well as a local (then wild 98.7) 94.1 singer/songwriting competition.
CDS is so excited to share Laine's work with our community. We take great pride in all of our alumni's accomplishments in life.
Check out Laine's work here.
Alumni, we want to hear from you! Share your news with us by emailing nragan@carrollwooddayschool.org.