Katherine Straub, Grade 10:

I am singing “Michael in the Bathroom” from the Broadway musical Be More Chill. It is about a teenage boy named Michael who is at Halloween party, and he and his friend, Jeremy, get into a fight. He goes and hides in the bathroom because he starts having a panic attack because Jeremy is his only friend.

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

A: I have always loved singing since I was little. When I was in the car, I would always be singing, or if there was karaoke, I always had the mic, and it was impossible to take it away from me. Ryan McCartan, Colleen Ballinger, and Shawn Mendes are a few of my musical influences. I admire them all so much.

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

A: Hopefully yes. I think that would be so cool and so fun.

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

A: I honestly don’t know. I think I like it because it is a way to share music and express feelings and emotions in such a different way.

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

A: Yes, I get extremely nervous. No matter who I am performing in front of or for, I am always nervous. To help with that, I usually do a little breathing exercise beforehand, and it calms me down a little.

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

A: Music for me is like an escape. It helps me take my mind off of a stressful day or schoolwork that I need to do. Listening to music gives me a little time to breathe.