Louis Gossett Jr. made his professional acting debut at the age of 17 in the play “Take a Giant Step.”  He went to NYU on a basketball scholarship and was invited to try out for the New York Knicks, but decided to continue his acting career with a role in the Broadway production of “A Raisin in the Sun.”  Almost six decades later, Louis has appeared in 167 films and television shows that have garnered him numerous awards including three Golden Globes, two Emmys (one for “Roots”) and an Oscar for his role in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”  Through his Eracism Foundation, classes are held to help teenagers understand and eliminate racism.

Kristy and Lindsey Landers make up the teen pop/rock duo Official Hot Mess (O.H.M.).  The duo received their first record deal before graduating from high school.  Their debut album 2 Girls - Fallin Angel went to the top of the charts in Asia, Australia and parts of Europe.  Official Hot Mess’ original music has been featured on such television shows as The Hills, The City, My Super Sweet 16, Grey’s Anatomy and Dollhouse.  By age 13, these young ladies had written their first original pop/rock song and at 14 they formed their first band and played venues across Florida.  On the big screen, O.H.M. appeared in Kissing Strangers and had lead roles in The Brotherhood V: Alumni.

Ace is one of the most recognizable males in American Idol history. This Grammy nominated songwriter co-hosted American Idol Extra as well as guest starred on Bones and Half & Half. Ace co-produced his self titled album Ace Young and served as executive producer of his and other artists upcoming records. On stage, he just recently made a huge impact playing Kenickie on Broadway’s Grease. His performance at the Macy’s Day Parade enticed the play’s producers to ask him back for a short-run in the lead role of Danny Zuko.

Since 1991, the music of Brian McKnight has defined the true meaning of American soul with his pitch perfect voice and silky style. Besides his career as a singer/songwriter, he has starred on Broadway in the musical Chicago. Brian has also hosted BET’s Soul Sessions and can be heard weekdays on the nationally syndicated radio show, The Brian McKnight Morning Show. Fans of The Apprentice will recognize him from season two of The Celebrity Apprentice. Brian thinks his album Ten is the best record he’s done in years. Last year he released his Christmas CD, I’ll Be Home For Christmas.

Sisters Savvy and Mandy are rising stars who burst onto the teen music scene last year. The duo released their debut EP, Here We Are, in October and charted two songs on Radio Disney’s Top 30 Countdown. Waiting For The Heartbreak was also named one of the top 50 songs of 2008 by Radio Disney’s listeners. After modeling for Teen Vogue, Target, Macy’s and others, the girls moved into acting in commercials. Savvy and Mandy were named to the Radio Disney Incubator Hall of Fame. The girl’s high energy shows bring a positive message of inner strength with strong vocals and upbeat rock n’ roll sound.

Bellflower High School (Bellflower, CA)

The Bellflower High School Band has had many successes in its diverse history. The band has marched in many parades and field shows in Southern California for over 30 years. Their mission is to provide musicians the resources for success through music education, team building, and personal improvement. The Bellflower High School Band is a unique blend of talent and expertise, whose purpose is to provide quality musical education through hands on experiences.

Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village, CO)

The Cherry Creek High School Marching Band has been in the top 10 in competitions since 2001. The band has traveled every other year since 1977 and has performed in the Hollywood Christmas Parade six times. They won first place overall Outstanding Drummer in the 2010 Western Welcome Week Parade in Littleton, Colorado and seventh place in the State Finalist Colorado Bandmasters Association State Marching Competition.