Student Spotlight
Seth N.
Seth is one of the sweetest natured people I know. Not only is he a wonderful, hardworking vocal student, but I’ve also watched him be an incredibly kind friend. You may have have gotten to see Seth and his friend Ben harmonizing on Owl City’s “Fireflies” at our August recital. Don’t miss the two of them singing the adorably catchy (and appropriate) Steven Universe duet “No Matter What” this December! One of the best things about teaching Seth is his willingness to try things–whether that be getting down into a forearm plank to work on controlling air or spending a lesson on tongue twisters and weird jaw movements to work on releasing tension. Seth has been involved in music since the age of 4 and is now in 2 different choirs at his school, on top of taking voice lessons.
Q & A with Seth
MM: What are some of your favorite hobbies, outside of music? Favorite school subjects, books, movies, shows, sports?
SN: My favorite hobbies outside of music are playing video games, collecting Hot Wheels, traveling, building with Legos, and boogie boarding. My favorite school subjects are Choir and Marching Band.The Treasury of Curious George, Corduroy, and Harry Potter are a few of my favorite books. My favorite movies are Lilo and Stitch, The Polar Express, and Steven Universe. My favorite sports are car racing, pool, and skateboarding.
MM: How did you get started with music, and how long have you been singing?
SN: My love for music began when I started taking dance lessons at the age of four. I was on two competitive dance teams which included tap and hip hop. I was formally trained in all forms of dance. I was involved in the musical Annie and two musicals at my elementary school. I was part of the orchestra from fourth grade through eighth grade playing the violin and the stand-up bass. Since my freshman year I have been a part of the Tesoro Marching Band. I played the French horn and currently play the trumpet. I am a member of Tesoro’s choir since the 9th grade. I am in the Men’s Choir and a Mixed Vocal Ensemble. I began taking voice lessons with Molly about a year and a half ago.
MM: What have been some of your favorite performances, and why? How do you share your music with others, beyond recitals?
SN: “This is Me” reminds me of myself. “Joshua” is a beautiful spiritual song. “Craven’s House” is about about adventure and exploring. “Seasons of Love” is a song all of our choir groups sing at the end of our last choir concert of the school year. It is a special song for the seniors who will be graduating.
MM: What makes you keep up your practice, and what are your goals?
SN: I keep up my practice because I enjoy it and want to improve my singing skills. A goal of mine is to make Madrigals.
MM: Who are a few bands/artists/musicals that have inspired you, and why?
SN: Michael Jackson inspires me because he was a very talented African American artist and is legend. “Thriller” is one of my favorite music videos that I am truly entertained by.
MM: What are some of your favorite songs, and why?
SN: “Right Down the Line” is a song my English teacher would play in class and the song reminds me of him. “SOS” is a song that makes me feel calm and at peace. “Dub Step” has crazy beats with keyboards. The Disneyland Band plays the theme to “Star Wars.” I enjoy their marching and visual effects.
MM: Can you share about a technique, skill, or song you struggled with, and how you are overcoming or have overcome it?
SN: I’m working on holding back air when I’m singing. I’ve used the technique of using a straw and doing wall sits and planks to control my breathing while I’m singing. Basically, I am learning how to work on the different techniques with Molly and practicing it as well.
MM: Tell us about the choirs you’re in! How are those going, and what’s your favorite part?
SN: I’m in Men’s Choir since my freshman year and I’ve learned a lot about choir theory. I am also in the Mixed Ensemble. We are learning how to widen our vowels when we sing. My favorite part of the Mixed Choir ensemble is making new friends.
MM: Anything else you’d like to add?
SN: Molly’s Music has been very helpful in my singing career and helping me to improve my singing skills. I’m learning how to use different techniques and build up my self-confidence on stage. I am very thankful for Molly in my journey to become a better singer.
