Virtual Reality

How high can you jump? Guaranteed, the talented teens of Jump5 have got you beat. Singers, dancers, and role models, the members of Jump5 exemplify the very best of their generation. The music of the Nashville-based group is thoroughly modern pop, high-spirited and 100% fun. Their peers across the country already got the message with Jump5's 2001 Sparrow Records album debut and are showing strong support for their new release, ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD. And with their Christmas album ALL THE JOY IN THE WORLD, Jump5 is poised to step into an even brighter spotlight for all the world to see.

Working with producer Mark Hammond, Jump5 has taken a quantum leap forward with the new album. "It's more mature than the last one," says Brittany with her customary enthusiasm, "but still has tons of energy." Luckily, these kids have energy to spare, and it was needed for their extensive U.S. summer 2002 tour. Jump5 shared the bill with the likes of Aaron Carter, A*Teens and Baha Men in their highest-profile itinerary to date. Add to that the new single, "All I Can Do," which is included on a CD that was given away with 3 million McDonald's Mighty Kids Meals this past summer, and Jump5 is just inches away from household-name status.

While all this acclaim may seem overwhelming for five people barely old enough to drive, these are not your typical teenagers. All began dancing and singing early on (try pre-kindergarten!), and with the loving support of their families, nothing has stood in the way of their success. The Jump5 story begins when then-two-year-old Brittany Hargest and four-year-old brother Brandon met four-year-old Lesley Moore at dance class. In time, they were joined by Libby Hodges and Chris Fedun on the talent show and recital circuit. Having formed fast friendships, it was only natural that the talented teens of Jump5 would create a group of their own. Only this would be one teen group with a twist.

"All along," recalls Brandon, "we wanted to do more than just entertain people; we wanted to help them too." That commitment to positive values has separated Jump5 from other teen groups, too many of whom mimic the inappropriate sexuality of older artists. "Kids are exposed to so much that's bad," says Libby. "Many artists dress too provocatively, exposing themselves just to get attention. Too few out there have a positive message like ours. But kids and parents appreciate what we do."

So much so, the group quickly expanded, taking their upbeat message to schools, malls, concert halls, and amphitheaters. Earlier this year, they were welcomed into the White House when President and Mrs. Bush hosted a night of music. "We never get nervous normally, but we did that time," laughs Chris. "After our performance, we got to talk with the President and have our pictures taken with him."

The demands of constant rehearsal, recording, and performing means the kids receive home schooling together. But that's just fine with the five student body members at Jump5 High. Says Libby, "Our teacher is awesome, but she is hard." Adds Lesley," I went to public school for most of my life, so this is a major change. But I'm having so much fun, and so is everyone else in the group."

Of course, Jump5 wouldn't have made it this far if the members didn't feel a genuine mutual affection. "We love each other to death," says Brittany. "We really are best friends." Being on the road so much has only brought them closer, as they rely on their friendship to carry them through. However, Brandon admits there are some things to get used to as they travel the country. "Chris and I are pretty neat, but on the bus it's the girls that make a mess."

That's probably the deepest dish you'll get out of Jump5. This group is simply about making people happy, which these days counts for a lot. "We love what we do," says Libby, "but we don't let it go to our heads and we don't take it too seriously." Someday they hope to expand their artistic horizons. Writing and producing records, appearing in film and television, nothing seems beyond their eventual reach. Yet if you ask them, the members of Jump5 are less concerned about their own glory, and more focused on the audiences they touch. Says Brandon, "We're kids trying to help other kids."

If you thought that was a lot, just wait...there's more. The kids are featured prominently on Disney's DVD of the animated classic "Beauty and the Beast" released earlier this fall. The group has newly re-recorded the title track, made famous in the early 90's by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson. The song, along with a stunning video version, are both included on the Disney DVD package, introducing the masterpiece to a new generation of viewers.

But Jump5 is ready for anything. As Libby says, "Whatever you want to be in life, you can do it if you live your dreams. There are always new opportunities coming." That's a life lesson the members of Jump5 have already learned well. Who's next?