April Musician of the Month: Lauryn Heine
Photos submitted by Heine.
This April, we highlight Lauryn Heine as the musician of the month! Heine is currently a junior soprano singer in A Cappella and a section leader for Synergy Showchoir! She plays one of the main leads in the upcoming musical The Drowsy Chaperone, Janet Van De Graaff. Heine also performed a solo at this year’s Pop Show for Synergy!
Junior soprano singer Sophie Kotvis speaks highly of Heine: “Lauryn is such a talented singer. She is so passionate about singing and performing; it is truly inspiring. I enjoy being able to watch her perform, and she is so deserving of every opportunity she gets.”
Congratulations to Heine! Read more about her below:
How long have you been in choir and Synergy and why do you continue to do it?
I first joined choir in the 5th grade; however, I never took music seriously until the 8th grade. I didn't grow up in a music family so it was a surprise to my parents when they found out I could actually sing well when I had my first solo in the 7th grade spring recital. From that point on, music became a serious priority in my life, I began dancing and acting, and then in my freshman year I auditioned for Synergy. That first season was a whirlwind, but it really made me fall in love with performing. I continue to stay in choir and Synergy because I have found a real passion for performing—both solo and with my ensembles. I feel so insanely lucky to be in such a talented program, and it brings me so much joy to share my love of music with my peers.
What do you like best about playing Janet Van De Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone?
My favorite part about playing Janet is the overdramatic qualities of her character. This is really fun for me to portray as an actor but also as a musician. Many of the different vocal techniques and stylings that I implement throughout the songs are a product of Janet's overdramatic showgirl-esque qualities.
What are your solo pieces that you sang for Solo and Ensemble this year that made State? What do you like about them?
This year I am proud to say all my solo and ensemble pieces made it to State; my two A Cappella ensemble pieces, and my two solo pieces. The A Cappella pieces that made it to state this year are “Birdland”—an upbeat jazz song—and "I Wish You Love."
“I Wish You Love” is my favorite out of these two because it is downtempo and I am grateful to say that my peer Attreya Attili and I are featured in a beautiful duet in this song. I also had two solos that made it to State, my classical piece "Vergin Tutt'amor," a beautiful Italian opera, and a musical theatre piece "Pulled" from the Addams Family.
What are your goals for yourself this year musically?
I am proud to say that one of my music goals for this year has already been achieved. I am a nationals qualifier for Musical Theatre with my piece "Flowers" from my favorite musical Hadestown. The next step for me is competing at nationals this summer at Indiana University Bloomington; my goal is to perform the best I can and feel proud of my performance.
What are other activities that you are involved in outside of the arts? What kinds of hobbies do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy going on hikes with my dog, hanging out with my family, and not to nerd out, but I am also very involved with STEM and science in our school.
Do you have any piece of advice for anyone wanting to join choir, or audition for Synergy or the musical?
My advice to anyone who wants to join choir or any of the fine arts is just to put yourself out there. Not every audition is going to be a yes, and that is OK. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to keep auditioning and get involved in any way that you can.
Who inspired you to become a singer?
I never really had any person who inspired me to be a singer, but when I expressed interest in music, my family was of the utmost support and encouragement. I am very lucky to have such a supportive family, and it is because of them and my friends that I have the courage to go out on stage and perform.
Do you have any future plans after high school?
After high school I plan to major in biomedical engineering; however, I still want to stay involved in music in any way possible. I have explored the idea of minoring in musical theatre; I am also adamant about joining an A Cappella group in college.
