Jess Healy, Grade 11:

I am singing “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith. It is about someone who finds out their significant other is cheating on them, and they are saying that they must not have been enough for that person.

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

A: I have been involved in music for as long as I can remember, and I have been a part of chorus since fourth grade. My greatest musical influences would have to be my dad and performers like Elvis and Taylor Swift.

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

A: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a part of the music industry, as many kids do, but now I’m more interested in the film industry. Music is a big part of movies and TV shows though, so I hope to still have it be a big part of my professional life!

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

A: This is my first time doing performance Friday, but I am really excited! I really love that there is sort of an open forum where anyone, even if they aren’t in concert choir, can have fun and maybe show off a little bit!

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

A: Definitely! I have the worst nerves before performing, which is why I haven’t done it until this year. It helps me to try and slow my breathing, and while I’m singing, I try to focus on a random spot on the back wall and distract myself.

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

A: Music has definitely been a major part of my life and helped me through a lot of things. Especially through this quarantine drama and the surgery I had this summer, it was comforting to listen to music I loved and discover new music that I could relate to.