YEAR: Third
MAJOR: Childhood Ed.
MINOR: Music
HOMETOWN:
Miller Park, N.Y.
What is your instrument of choice? Why?
Jazz voice because it’s the most natural way for me to express myself and let go of my inhibitions. I play the guitar and ukulele as well, but my skill level is limited and I feel like I am limitless when I sing.
When and how did you start singing?
I’ve been singing my whole life. I joined the school choir in third grade but before that I was in some girl bands that were uh… pretty serious. We had gigs during gym and we made music videos after school. But we went our separate ways once middle school hit. I joined vocal jazz ensemble when I was 12 and that’s when I was exposed to jazz and have been listening and singing it ever since.
Who are you currently listening to and who are your main influences?
My main influences are Billie, Ella and Joni. But I’m currently listening to Esperanza Spalding, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Lauryn Hill and Susan Tedeschi. I’ve been trying to incorporate Chet Baker’s sounds into my songs – that’s the one thing I’m trying to do intentionally, at least.
What are you involved in on/off-campus that is music related?
On-campus, I’m a part of The Sexy Pitches, the all-female a capella group. Off-campus, I’m a part of The Notion Stompers and I also do solo gigs with my friend Sophia Wortzel.