Ryan Benvenuto, Grade 10:

The song I am singing is “Champagne Problems” by Taylor Swift. This song is about a woman who was just proposed to, but she declines. Throughout the song Swift expresses how the problem was not him, but it was her. In the end, she hopes for him to find the one who deserves him. I chose this song because Taylor Swift has always been my favorite artist and this song is just so moving, and I feel like people can relate to it on different levels.

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

A: I got started with music in fifth grade when I played Veruca Salt in the musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I really started to realize how happy music made me feel. One of my greatest musical influences would definitely be Taylor Swift. Ironically, I am performing one of her songs this week. I also love Pink, Adele, Faith Hill, and Justin Bieber. All of these artists have their own way of expressing themselves through music which I really enjoy.

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

A: I definitely would like to continue with music and pursue music in college or join a choir group when I am older because music is beautiful and can really speak to me.

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

A: I have actually never performed on performance Friday until now, but I seriously love the idea of sharing our voices with our peers and teachers. I feel like it is something super uplifting and a good thing to look forward to, especially during these times.

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

A: I most certainly do get extremely nervous, but taking deep breaths and realizing that singing by yourself should not be any different than singing in front of people is what motivates me.

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

A: The thing I love most about music is that there are so many different genres and songs that can change one’s perspective on situations. Music has always helped me cope in life, and with the pandemic, I have realized that I connected with music on a different level, meaning I recognize how artists are feeling during the songs they write because I have felt these emotions as well.