Alyssa Inserra, Grade 10:

I am singing “The Climb,” by Miley Cyrus. It is a very well-known song, and I think for the situation that we are all in, we must keep on moving, keep the faith, and take each day as it comes. We all have goals in life, and many obstacles are going to come up and try to stop us. Sometimes, we will lose a battle, but that does not mean we lost the war. I think that the defining moments of your life are not always the ones that everyone sees or celebrates. Sometimes, they can be as simple as getting through a very rough day, and just being able to say that you did get through it, and that you are still alive and breathing.

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

A: I joined my elementary school chorus in fourth grade; that was really where it all started. I am influenced by a lot of my classmates whom I have known over the years. I have witnessed them and their voices grow and mature, and that inspired me to explore my potential.

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

A: I would love to keep music with me as a creative outlet. It would be great to use singing to help others in the future.

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

A: Performance Friday is a chance for anyone to put themselves and their talent on display. Performing gives me an adrenaline rush, and it is amazing to me how the nerves can just wash away when I start singing those first couple of notes.

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

A: When I first started performing, I used to get very nervous. Over time, though, I got used to the nerves. So, I embrace the feeling and accept it. Then, I channel that energy towards my performance. I have noticed that a lot with emotions; sometimes, the line between excitement and anxiety can be so thin, it is up to the way you perceive it.

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

A: Music is so dynamic and unique. Music has been around for thousands of years, and its effects still have not been lost on humanity. During the pandemic, I used music to cope with my feelings. It really is an incredible feeling when one verse of a song or the opening chords just happen to perfectly match the emotion that you are feeling.