It is tough to pinpoint when Maddie '11 first started singing. Her parents might say her musical career began when she hummed “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” before babbling the conventional “mama” or “dada,” while others might consider her pageant singing the beginning. Regardless of when Maddie first began, however, it is certain that her passion for scale, rhythm, and melody has only grown ever since.
Given the prominent role of music in Maddie’s life, she was sure she wanted to concentrate on singing when she came to Middlesex as a freshman. But during her audition for Small Chorus, she realized attaining her goals was going to require some serious work, as only one spot was available in this select singing group when she first auditioned.
Although Maddie was not able to join the Small Chorus as a freshman, she was undeterred and used the experience - and Dr. Pierson Wetzel’s encouraging words - as motivation to improve. She joined the Chapel Chorus and signed up for voice lessons with Pam, who helped her develop her range and become more of a “classical singer.” After a year of practice and performance, Maddie was rewarded with a part in the revered Small Chorus.
Like her interest in singing, Maddie’s work ethic has further strengthened since her freshman year. Through continuing to study music and performing in all of the spring musicals, she says she has “gotten to know [her] voice much better” and, as a result, has been able to experiment with more musical styles. Right now, she is working with her voice instructor, Pam, on jazz pieces and an operetta. Although Maddie is working to expand her repertoire beyond popular music, she does still enjoy singing a Mariah Carey tune, and she has found real tangible success with the genre, recently winning an Honorable Mention from the Young Arts Program for her performance of “Hero” by Carey, “Let it Be” by the Beatles, and “Cruise” by Christina Aguilera. Soon after this achievement, Maddie learned she would be performing a solo at this year’s Wick Choral Festival, adding another high note to her senior year.
