Jaden Harvin, Grade 11:

I am singing “I’m Here” by Cynthia Erivo from The Color Purple, a musical on Broadway. It is about someone who left you and you doing just fine without them and telling them that you don’t need them to go on in life.

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

A: Music has always been something that I loved. Michael Jackson was definitely one of my greatest musical influences.

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

A: I’m not really sure yet if I want to do anything with music in the future. As of right now, I just like to do it as a hobby.

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

A: My favorite part of Performance Friday is definitely the comments at the end that the audience tells the performer. It is always very uplifting. 

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

A: I always get nervous before performing, and I just go up there. I deal with it by just putting myself out there and just singing. 

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

A: I love how music is very universal and everyone can relate to a song. Music was a big part of this pandemic and definitely helped me get through it.