Going back to ‘High School’

JESSIE REIMER
Staff Writer

Located just miles from the heart of the entertainment industry, Pepperdine is home to many talented models, musicians and actors. Junior Jessica Rotter and freshman Afton Whiddon are two student singers who recently lent their vocal talents to the “High School Musical 2” soundtrack.

In 2006, Disney released a surprise hit, the made-for-TV movie called “High School Musical.” The soundtrack for the album reached #1 on the Billboard charts and became the top-selling album of 2006. In 2007, the sequel, “High School Musical 2,” has already debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts and has sold more than 1.8 million copies. The movie sequel also broke records, as it premiered as the most-watched basic cable program ever with 17.2 millions viewers.

The “High School Musical,” which have amovies tell the story of young love between two unexpected high school students — basketball star Troy Bolton (played by Zac Efron) and brainy transfer student Gabriella Montez (played by Vanessa Hudgens).

The two are drawn to one another during the first movie. They decide to sing together in East High School’s student musical, ignoring the fact that many of their peers disapprove. Troy and Gabriella face particular competition from brother-sister duo Sharpay (played by Ashley Tisdale) and Ryan (played by Lucas Grabeel). This competition spills over into the sequel, in which Troy and Gabriella must continue to fight for their individuality and relationship.

Though not involved with the film, Rotter and Whiddon were both hired for the soundtrack opportunity by a vocal contractor who works at their church, Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village.

Whiddon said it was a privilege to be able to sing on “The High School Musical 2” soundtrack. She recorded the tracks with nine others, including Rotter, at a Los Angeles recording studio in February.

“It was the most fun thing I think I’ve ever done in my entire life,” she said.

Whiddon and Rotter both agreed that one of the most fulfilling experiences during the recording process was being able to give the directors and producers what they wanted vocally.

“It’s exciting to see the producers’ faces light up and see the music come alive,” Rotter said. “Anytime you get into the studio and you’re singing fun music like that, it’s a blast.”

Whiddon said she had an easy time getting into the music, as Disney songs are among her favorite.

“It’s definitely my favorite style to sing,” she said. “I love anything that is innocent and upbeat.”

Rotter and Whiddon, though fans of the music, said they have always thought it a little strange that other people pretend to sing to their vocals in “High School Musical 2.”

“It’s so freaky to see someone mouth the words and it’s my voice,” said Rotter.

Whiddon said it was especially odd reading in a magazine about the character she sang for, Kelsi (played by Olesya Rulin) having a solo in the movie. Kelsi is the pianist and composer at East High School.

“It’s like, that’s my voice they’re talking about,” Whiddon said.

Despite the fact that credit for the vocals needed to be shared, both Whiddon and Rotter said they walked away from the experience with memorable moments and life lessons.

“Being around people passionate about singing, you feel like you have so much in common,” said Whiddon. “I really learned that you don’t have to be famous to have a lot of fun singing.”

Rotter said she could never trade the feeling of accomplishment she experienced after recording for the soundtrack.

“Something I’ve learned is when you finish a project with a group of people and you watch it get successful, there is a certain feeling of joy and accomplishment that you can’t get anywhere else,” she said.

This was not Rotter’s first involvement with a “High School Musical” soundtrack, though. She sang for the first album and was a featured soloist for the character of Martha (played by Kaycee Stroh) in the song, “Stick to the Status Quo.” On the sequel’s soundtrack, Whiddon sang the solo for Nielsen in the song, “Work This Out.”

Whiddon and Rotter did not simply get chosen to sing for the “High School Musical 2” soundtrack without having a background in music, though.

Whiddon, a broadcast telecommunications major, began taking voice lessons when she was 7-years-old.

“I basically started singing when I could start talking,” said Whiddon. She said she would love to either be on Broadway or work for Disney as a musical theatre voiceover artist.

Rotter, a theatre and television production major with a minor in music, began taking voice lessons and working professionally in the entertainment business at just 4-years-old. Since then, she has worked on various projects for children’s movies and records.

As for “High School Musical 2,” Rotter has yet to even see the film, but Whiddon jokes that it is cheesy, but so cute.

A re-airing of the movie can be seen Sunday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. on the Disney Channel (channel 56 in Malibu).

09-27-2007