Each week, the LHS chorus classes allow students to showcase their talent. Multiple students perform each week for the highly anticipated “Performance Friday.” This section will display each performance and include interviews from the very talented performers. Here is one of last week’s performances:

Kerry Cullen, Grade 9:

I chose to sing the song “Clean,” by Taylor Swift, from her 1989 album. I chose this song because I’m a huge fan of Taylor, both her music and her personality. I love her 1989 album, and I think “Clean” was the most underrated from that album. Nobody seemed to be talking about it, meanwhile it was my favorite, so I wanted to share it with people.

Q: How did you get started in music? Who are your greatest musical influences?

A: I got started when I was super young, around four or five, and I just started to listen more and perceive all the sounds around me in a new light. I then saw music in everyday things like something falling off a counter or the writing of a pencil.

Q: Do you aspire to do anything with music in your future?

A: It’s so hard to know what you want to do in life for good, especially when all of us at the high school are at some point of seriously thinking and weighing options. I would say that, yes, I have been thinking about doing something more music based in the future, possibly a being music teacher for younger kids.

Q: What is your favorite part about Performance Friday and/or performing in general?

A: I love Performance Fridays because they give everyone an equal opportunity to be uniquely themselves. It’s kind of freeing just being either totally in your element or stepping out of it for a minute to see how it goes. For me, performing is thrilling. It’s so fun to choose a song you love and just put the most ambition and effort into it

Q: Do you get nervous to perform in front of people, specifically your peers? How do you quell your nerves?

A: I would say I definitely get nervous every time I perform because every time it’s uncertain. I’ve definitely gotten better at dealing with them over the years of participating in music, but I think the best way to handle them is to turn the nerves into excitement of what’s to come. It makes you more giddy than nervous and it helps

Q: What do you love most about music? Has music helped you in any way through the pandemic?

A: Music is amazing because it’s a creative outlet. When I sing or play instruments I can vent through the words or notes, and I feel in touch with my emotions whilst doing so. Music makes me feel heard and seen. Also, when my favorite song comes on, I’ve noticed it’s an instant mood changer.