Carlton Harris

## Personality

Carlton is definitely one of the more chilled, and relaxed individuals at Silver Oak Academy. It hadn't taken long for him to get used to the whole setting and people due to this. With expressing himself moreso in his music, and talents, some might say it's even made his own personality bland. He's more of a mellow, go with the flow type of guy. Due to this, he's one of the more nicer individuals, seeing the good in people, and it has made him more optimistic. He's sociable when thrust into a crowd, and though he doesn't always go out of his way, he finds it easy to talk to people. He's a friendly individual, and prone to good first impressions.

Towards his friends, Carlton seems to say slightly more, and do even more to support them. He's very caring and empathetic, and sometimes even hates that he understands others' emotions so well, because it only reflects on him the more. He seems to always know what to say, and if his friends are in a bad place, he always turns more gentle and kind. Still, Carlton is a rather fun individual too, and will definitely give his friends a laugh just by being around.

As for his music, that is Carlton's pride and joy. Skilled in the piano, saxophone, producing beats, and even working on his writing... he's an amalgamation of all things music. He takes his work very seriously, and at even the slightest interruption in his art, he grows very upset. His music is like an extension of himself, and if somehow lost or damaged, is like losing a limb. Carlton is rather open to critique though, and sees himself as a student of the craft. He wants to grow, rather than stay stagnant, and knows the reactions of other people is vital in what he's trying to do.

## Biography

Carlton was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the city of rap music, sports, and more. His father, Vernon Harris Jr. was, and still is a famed rapper by the handle of, "VJ-Smoove." Carlton's father was originally for the Bronx, New York, and was from a rough neighbourhood in the suburbs. Vernon's father was absent throughout his life, and his mother worked multiple jobs to take care of Carlton's total of 8 aunties and uncles. His father, the eldest, joined the local gangs in selling dope and carrying out punishments for some extra cash to aid his family. On the side though, Vernon was a naturally talented musician. His family didn't have money to afford teachers, or equipment, and so Vernon mostly did music with school equipment, and taught himself to read music, play the piano, produce beats, and write songs of his own. He produced various records of his own, which caught plenty attention even out of the streets all the way to New York City. Vernon was a hit, and signed with a manager. He moved his family out of the ghettos, before relocating himself to Atlanta, where he'd fall in love with R&B singer, "Rey." The two got marrried, and thus conceived Carlton during their honeymoon to Dubai.

Carlton's childhood consisted of lots and lots of music. In spite of all the toys, and games he had access to, Carlton was a musician at heart. He opted to play with light-up pianos, and glow in the dark microphones more than anything. His parents, in spite of being in their primes musically, did their best to make time for their child, and promote a healthy family environment. His father, Vernon, hadn't had much a father growing up, and had sworn years ago that he'd make sure that both father and mother would be present in his child's life. The fact that Vernon, and his wife, Riley, never had any issues in their marriage was a plus. Due to this, Carlton grew up in a loving household, of which definitely had positive effects on his mental health.

Carlton was taught at a young age that he'd be used, and manipulated for his family riches. His father wasn't wrong, but Carlton didn't see people as monsters either. He had a very loving disposition towards others, and if his money made people happy, then so be it. At a young age Carlton took a liking for all things music. Writing songs for his childhood crushes, participating in school talent shows on the piano, and producing beats with his father's colleagues. His talent for music seemed to come just as naturally as his father's had all those years ago. This only strengthened the bond between Carlton and his father. With time, he grew more and more skilled, and with a greater variety of instruments and music pieces. He began releasing music of his own, of which eventually caught the eye of Silver Oak Academy.

It was in the eighth grade summer that Carlton received the email from Silver Oak Academy. They wanted him in their music arts program, and so with encouragement from his family and friends, he complied.