Madeline Malinka, Grade 9:

I performed the piece “Tightrope” from the movie The Greatest Showman. This piece is sung from the point of view of Charity, the wife of P.T. Barnum. She is singing about the ups and downs of their relationship, and how she loves P.T. Barnum, but they have faced some bumps in their path together. The reference to a tightrope symbolizes this, and it also relates to the circus aspect of the film!

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

A: I began taking piano lessons when I was very young, around six years old. From there, I learned other instruments, too. My interest in voice and singing increased as I began auditioning for solos in chorus and participating in school musicals. Both of my parents are musical, and they have certainly helped me learn along the way. All of my teachers through each class or instrument, like chorus, orchestra, band, and piano, have influenced me musically.

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

A: I would love to continue playing the piano and flute and get even better over the years! I also want to keep doing Performance Friday and singing for other people.

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

A: I love how for Performance Friday, anyone can choose any kind of song. I think this helps it to come from the heart more, because the students get to pick their own songs. It is also really good for students in that there is so much that can be learned from preparing and performing a song. This is also what I love about performing: it comes from the heart and allows people to relay their feelings in a personal and beautiful way.

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

A: Yes, I do get nervous! I quell my nerves by remembering that I have practiced and I am ready. I think about how, even if I make a mistake or something goes wrong, it is still just a learning experience! I take deep breaths and try to relax. Chatting and talking with other people or other performers also helps me to be calm and feel ready.

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

A: I love that the various styles and genres of music can each “fit into” our current feelings or emotions. Listening to a classical piece might help someone be calmer or more mindful, while listening to an upbeat or happy piece can help someone feel happier. Music has helped me through the pandemic; I am glad that some new movies and songs have still come out. I think singing along to a song or playing a piece of music has helped me connect to the writers, performers, and the world in a time when we are more isolated. Listening to, practicing, or performing music are also beneficial activities to get better at when we have spare time, and they keep our minds working when there is little going on.