From leading this year’s Semores’ Vocal Department to becoming an integral part of the Townsend Harris Jazz Ensemble to earning an award for the most “Outstanding Soloist,” senior Julia Waters has stood out in her years as a THHS vocalist.
“I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” Julia told The Classic. “I [cannot] remember a time where I [was not] singing, especially because I grew up in a household where both [of] my parents love music, which led them to immerse me in a [variety] of genres of music.”
At THHS, Julia is the President of the Hawkapella Club and led the Semore Vocal Department last fall. In addition to the Jazz Ensemble, she also has performed in the spring musical. Last year, she played Morticia Addams in The Addams Family for the Nightingale Theater Company. Julia is also known for playing in a band (called “Freak Out”) with her peers during the winter concerts.
“My love for singing led me to participate in musical theatre which, funny enough, was something I disliked before coming to Townsend,” Julia said. “I feel that [the school] has opened up a lot of different opportunities for me, which has allowed me to grow as a performer and train my voice more than before.”
Band director Kevin Heathwood discussed Julia’s contributions to the THHS music scene. “She takes time out of her academic schedule to register for music courses, she is a leader in S!NG and for Hawkapella, is heavily involved with the Nightingale Theater company, and has been an integral part of the Jazz Ensemble,” he said. “It is rare to have someone’s unmeasurable talent match their character and dedication.”
Senior Anastasia Gonidelis, who is Vice President of Hawkapella, discussed collaborating with Julia in the club: “I’ve been working with Julia since sophomore year, and it’s been incredible to see her grow. She has a naturally beautiful voice, yet she pushes herself to practice as much as she can to improve. It’s so fun singing with her, especially when we create cool harmonies and duet together.”
Mr. Heathwood says, “I knew she was going to be an essential member of the music community at THHS the moment I heard her sing. It isn’t just [her] talent and ability, however. It is also her dedication to the culture of music by being a member of every ensemble she could possibly be a part of. She is a rare talent that can sing in different genres effortlessly.”
Band member Loise Arcega said, “She has such a large vocal range, and I’m amazed every time she sings. She continues to star in our school plays and plays a big role in our own band as the main vocalist. When it comes to singing, she can make anything possible because of her talent.”
Senior Ariyan Abdin said, “She’s always been a reliable singer that goes above and beyond the standards we hold her to. I’ve always admired her performances and her ability to come to school early every day in order to sing. Similarly, my sister minored in music and when she attends the concerts, she always comments on Julia’s extraordinary skills as a vocalist.”
Julia said singing serves as something beyond music sheets and a microphone. It provides a means of connection and expression with others and herself, she said, taking the phrase “music is the language of the world” to heart.
Mr. Heathwood said, “I hope that she always finds a way to keep music in her life, no matter what she chooses to do for a career. The world is a better place when Julia sings in it.”
