Marisa Hickey, Grade 12:

Alicia and I sang “Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy” by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. It is about how even in times of trouble, the smaller, happier moments become more memorable, and if we focus on the present, it will be easier to have a better outlook on life. Alicia and I have connected to the actresses that sang this song ever since we were younger, and I feel that is why we were able to put all the emotion needed into this song.

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

A: I got started in music when I was going into fourth grade because I thought joining chorus and band would be fun, and it was another thing to do. I have fallen in love with music and the whole process since. Sadly, when I got into high school, I was not able to continue playing in band because of my schedule, but I was able to be in chorus period 8 with Mr. Jamrozek, then I auditioned for concert choir at the end of my freshman year, and I was luckily one of the eight people to get in that year. Some of my musical influences have been my teachers. I love listening to certain performers, like most teenagers, but I think my four school teachers, Mrs. Stella Kruh, Mr. Anthony Carollo, Mr. Krystian Jamrozek, and Mr. Barry Wyner, have truly made me become the musician I am today over the years.

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

A: I actually plan on auditioning for the Music Performance program at college while minoring in Musical Theater.  will hopefully also participate in all the musicals, operas, acapella groups, and choirs, etc., that I can.

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

A: My favorite part about Performance Friday particularly is being able to be on the stage and just to do something that I know will make at least one person smile. Especially this year, due to COVID-19, I was so excited to learn that we were allowed to participate in one thing normally in the music department.

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

A: I used to get nervous to perform in front a lot of people, and I still do a little bit, but I think as I got older, I got more confident, and I think it’s just easier to perform in front of underclassman compared to upperclassmen. I don’t know why, but I know a lot of people feel the same way. I usually talk to people to get rid of the nerves when I do have them, but also, once the first note is sung, all the nerves leave my body.

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

A: I love music that can make such an impact on someone based on the timbre, tone, and lyrics of the piece. Music has helped me a lot through this pandemic. I usually listen to music almost 24/7 but through this pandemic, I definitely listened to music, especially pop, rock, and musical theater, more than I ever have before. It also helped me get through the longer, more stressful days.