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What years were you active in SLCC?
I first auditioned to be a part of the Choirs in January of 2015 when I was in 6th grade and continued to be a part of it until I graduated from high school in May of 2021.
What is your best memory of being a part of SLCC?
I have so many wonderful memories from being a part of SLCC, but my favorite by far was our trip to Scotland. Performing in St. Giles’ Cathedral was a remarkable experience. I remember singing “No Time” and seeing tourists visiting the cathedral start to gather around us. This was already one of my favorite pieces to perform, but the incredible acoustics made it feel even more special. As we sang, I could see and feel how the music resonated through all of us, and by the end of the piece, I looked around and noticed that many of us were teary-eyed, including those in the audience. In that moment, I realized just how powerful music can be in transcending emotion and bringing people together, and how much our hard work and teamwork had truly paid off.
How do you think being a part of SLCC has impacted you?
Being a part of SLCC has truly shaped who I am. Although I did not continue my music education, I recognize how this organization prepared me for the real world by teaching me professionalism and poise. Interacting with so many people through a shared love of singing and music also helped me become more open and confident when meeting new people.
What is an important lesson you learned during your time at SLCC?
An important lesson I learned at SLCC was how to stay grounded and actively present in the moment. Rehearsal would always start with various breathing exercises. These not only allowed us to develop proper breath support while singing but also let us center ourselves and leave our stress at the door. I still use these exercises to this day, and I have found them especially helpful for recentering myself in busy, often hectic environments such as the healthcare field.
What do you think the community should know about SLCC?
SLCC has done a phenomenal job of instilling core values and confidence in their singers from such a young age. This organization fosters a great sense of belonging and inclusivity and also provides unique opportunities such as giving back to the community, singing at world renowned concert halls, and even having the chance to travel the world and experience new cultures. The skills that are learned and applied through this program truly extend far beyond music.
What do you do now/have done since graduating from the program?
Since graduating from SLCC, I continued my education at Saint Louis University and graduated this past May with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. I am currently in my gap year, and during this time, I have been applying to medical school and taking advantage of the extra free time to get back into music.
