This month we interviewed Molly’s student Chloe for our Student Spotlight. Chloe is in the musical theatre program at El Rancho Charter School, but her vocal and musical theatre training started long before that. She’s played a variety of roles, including Alice in Alice in Wonderland, and she recently got finished putting on Legally Blonde at El Rancho. Here she is at our last recital doing a beautiful rendition of “On My Own.”
MM: How did you get started in music, and how long have you been singing?
CL: I’ve been singing since I can remember, starting with all the Disney movie songs, such as “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. It was a favorite, and I sung it over and over! I remember watching American Idol when I was four and thinking, “Wow,” I want to go to Hollywood and perform in front of those judges. I would have my mom, dad, and grandpa be the judges, and I would perform for them, and of course, I’d get a ticket to Hollywood! Singing just makes me feel complete.
MM: Do you share your skills with family, friends or your community? How?
CL: I always love to perform in front of my family and friends! I have been in every play during elementary school since first grade and am now in musical theater at my middle school. During our neighborhood’s annual July 4th celebration, I sing the National Anthem to start off the day. One of my best friends and I are in a “band” called June Rose. She plays ukulele and guitar, and I sing. We have a great time performing and just playing around!
MM: What makes you keep up your practice, and what are your goals?
CL: My musical theater group at school makes me keep up my practice with singing logs, and I’m always singing at home, in the car, in the shower, and whenever I can! My goals are to be on The Voice and to one day be in a musical production on Broadway (or even off Broadway :).
MM: Who are a few bands/artists that have inspired you and why?
CL: Adele inspires me because of her amazing, strong voice and I love all of her songs. I also admire Kristin Chenoweth because she is so multi-talented and has an incredible voice. Some of my favorite artists include Jack Johnson, Adele, Death Cab for Cutie, Coldplay and Bruno Mars. A few of my favorite musicals are Wicked (which I sing all the songs from!) Into the Woods, and Lion King.
MM: Can you share about a technique, skill or song you struggled with, and how you are overcoming or have overcome it?
CL: It has always been very challenging for me as an alto to hit high notes. I always see my friends belting high G’s, while I’m belting a low E. with Molly’s help over the past year, she has been teaching me how to expand my range and hit higher notes.
MM: What advice would you give to students just starting out?
CL: I would tell new beginner students to sing any time they can. In the shower, at school, doing homework, anywhere is just a good place to break out in song or hum a quiet tune. As they say in Finding Nemo….just keep singing, just keep singing!
