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"When I was auditioning for SLCC, I was very nervous. The story goes that Barbara Berner took my hand, brought me into the audition room personally, and made me feel so at home. And home it was."
What years were you active in SLCC?
I joined SLCC at the earliest level, Music Makers. In middle school, I took a few years away, and after witnessing the choirs in the Ambassadors of Harmony show, I rejoined and was in Concert Choir until I graduated.
What is your best memory of being a part of SLCC?
There are so many memories I could use to answer this question… It was very special for me to have my dad (Dr. Jim Henry) and the Ambassadors of Harmony make music with SLCC as often as we did. There was one Holiday show at Powell Hall in which the Ambassadors and SLCC’s Concert Choir sang a song titled “One Voice” together. Last minute, the regular soloist in AOH had to step out, and because I had familiarity with the material from being in Concert Choir and around AOH, I stepped in for the solo. It was a very magical experience to sing with my dad and my choir on the Powell stage. It’s one of those memories you don’t know how you got so lucky to experience.
How do you think being a part of SLCC has impacted you?
I owe my professionalism, artistic discipline, and my understanding for the impact of music made with other people to The St Louis Children’s Choirs. I have one particular memory of a concert we did where the emotional impact of the singing overwhelmed us to the point of tears. It was the first time I’d experienced something like that. My most significant takeaway is the dedication to the craft the Choirs instill in its singers. I loved digging into the meaning behind the music, the storytelling, and how to bring the lyrics to life with our voices and our hearts. The vulnerability I experienced in making great music with SLCC has greatly influenced my career as an actress and singer. I also would be remiss if I did not touch again on the professionalism SLCC imparted to me. I felt confident in any choral/musical setting, when handed any music material, that I would do well because of the training I received in SLCC.
What is an important lesson you learned during your time at SLCC?
I learned you must feel a sense of responsibility with art. Music especially is an art form that can change lives, not only of an audience but also those around you. In SLCC, I felt a call to step up to the plate. I wanted to do well for myself, my choir, and the music. This taught me leadership and how to truly work for the art form you love, with people who love it, too.
What do you think the community should know about SLCC?
Supporting music education for kids is vital, especially in a prestigious choral setting, such as The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. SLCC connects people from all backgrounds and stories to communicate in the most universal language of all time, music. I encourage all to attend SLCC concerts and truly enjoy the music!
What do you do now/have done since graduating from the program?
Since graduating the program, I have moved to Atlanta, GA to pursue my dream of acting and singing. In Atlanta, I have directed over 40 short films and acted in over 50 short and feature-length films. I sing backup for the band Klark Sound with my female singing trio! We are currently working on an album. With my own music, I have published music on streaming services, created music videos, and am releasing an EP in 2026! In my day-to-day, I am blessed to create art with my dear friends, whether it be making music, painting, producing galleries and shows, photography, filmmaking, designing/sewing clothes. For three consecutive years, I sang in the International Barbershop competition, singing a different voice part each year. Through Barbershop, I have made friends from all over the world, and have even gotten to visit them in other countries such as Denmark, Sweden, and Australia! Last May, I received my BFA in Acting from the Conservatory for Performing Arts at Stephens College. I cannot imagine my life without The St Louis Children’s Choirs. I am endlessly and forever grateful.
