McDonald native WOWs ’em

“I didn’t even know what to say. I was screaming and jumping up and down. I didn’t even know how to describe it. It was almost a relief, because I didn’t have to audition anymore.” - Eddie Moody, WOW member

By NATALIE LARICCIA

Vindicator Correspondent

BOARDMAN — Ask Eddie Moody how he feels about his career and his life in general, and the talkative teen responds with a simple, yet very appropriate, “Wow.”

Over the past year, the 19-year-old McDonald native’s life has been a whirlwind — traveling, dancing, rehearsing and performing — as a member of WOW, a newly formed boy band that is hoping to spread its positive pop-music message across the nation.

Joined by bandmates Frankie Zulferino of Staten Island, N.Y.; Jake Lauckern of Auburn, N.Y.; Michael Rechner of Cape May, N.J.; and Kryon Correia of Fall River, Mass.; WOW will make its Youngstown debut at the Jamie’s Dance Force recital May 30 at the Boardman Performing Arts Center at Boardman High School.

Moody took some time from his busy schedule recently for an interview at Jamie’s Dance Force studio, where he teaches part time. His bandmates and Simone Bari, executive partner for So Chic Public Relations, the New York City-based PR firm that represents WOW, also joined the interview via conference call.

For Moody, a 2008 McDonald High School graduate, being selected as a member of WOW is a dream come true and the result of nearly 15 years of hard work, dedication and determination. A dance student since he was 4 years old, Moody’s education includes extensive experience with several dance disciplines, including ballet, tap and jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and modern and ballroom dance.

He has trained under Jamie Cordon, owner and dance instructor of Jamie’s Dance Force, since she opened her studio in 1999.

Moody said he first heard about WOW last summer through an audition notice online.

Moody traded e-mails with WOW’s manager, Paris D’Jon, for a few weeks before he decided to head to New York to meet D’Jon to audition. D’Jon helped to launch the career of 98 Degrees, a popular vocal band.

Moody’s October audition consisted mainly of him performing song and dance routines. The next evening he received a call with the good news that he landed the job, he said.

“I didn’t even know what to say. I was screaming and jumping up and down. I didn’t even know how to describe it. It was almost a relief, because I didn’t have to audition anymore. But at the same time, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” he said.

Nearly 1,700 boys auditioned for the group. Those who were chosen were selected based on their personality, singing and dancing ability, Bari said.

“The boys that were chosen shined through. They stood out among the rest,” she said.

Moody said he and his bandmates bonded almost immediately when they met for the first time for their initial rehearsal and photo shoot in New York City in December.

“After the audition process we were scared. We didn’t know how we would all react together, and after 45 minutes we were all like brothers,” Rechner said.

The band then reconvened March 1 to learn routines and music for their debut performance March 20 at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom. Since the boys had little time to prepare, they began an intense rehearsal schedule, diligently practicing the routines that Moody and Zulferino choreographed. Their debut, a benefit concert for One is Greater than None — a teen-founded charity dedicated to improving the lives of African children — was a success, and Moody’s friends, family and Jamie’s Dance Force colleagues attended to show their support.

Since then, WOW has performed at various cheerleading competitions and concerts benefiting children’s charities nationwide. The upcoming schedule includes a packed itinerary, with several nationwide performances and shows in Canada and Japan. The band is also in the process of recording its debut album.

The group’s wholesome yet colorful image that promotes positive thinking and actions is what sets WOW apart from other boy bands, Moody said.

“It’s all about giving back and showing young kids they can be what they want if they put their mind to it,” Moody said.

Bari said WOW’s clean-cut image and parent-friendly pop-music sound will transport its fans back to the era of “real bubble-gum music.” When WOW sings, the members say the full words, not the slang terms, she said.

“We definitely want to set a good example to younger kids, because they do follow what they see on television and what they hear on the radio,” Zulferino said.

Moody said the band also makes it a point to be personable and level-headed when interacting with fans.

“We always want to be approachable. We are just normal people, and we want to be looked at like that — like normal people, not superstars,” he said.

Cordon, meanwhile, says she couldn’t be prouder of one of her star students.

“As a dance teacher, that’s your hope for all of your students — that, once they leave here [her dance studio] they can pursue their dreams. It’s the greatest gift. Eddie was always a student who sacrificed for improvement. It shows you don’t have to come from a big city to succeed,” she said.

For tickets to WOW’s Boardman performance, call Jamie’s Dance Force at (330) 758-6668. For more information about WOW, go to myspace.com/wowthegroup.