Dare to Shine

I am a senior in high school, who loves learning and trying new things. I have many hobbies, but my true passions are volleyball (sports), and singing and performing. My parents are very athletic, so I have always been steered in that direction, since I was 3 years old. However, one thing that was very clear from a young age was that I had a passion for singing and performing. I finally pursued that passion in grade 10, when I began to take voice lessons, write my own songs, and I began musical theatre. Now, even though I still play and love sports, I have made time to pursue my passion of singing. I am now one of the leads in our musical and we will be one of the first high schools to perform again since COVID hit. Even when I was younger, I recognized the importance of singing. It is a type of inclusion, and is something, other than food, that can bring everyone together. It’s about telling a story, showing your emotions, your dreams, your feelings, and your ideas. It is a universal language and the way that you can express yourself and get so lost and caught up in the music that you forget all about why you were so afraid to step onto the stage in the first place. Singing has been like my therapy, I way to unwind and forget about all my worries.

I am a new resident of BC as of about 6 months ago, I love it here so much. I sing because I need therapy!! Hahaha. For me, singing is another form of storytelling just like acting, and I sing those songs that wonderful brilliant people have written that I identify with and I just love to share with anyone who wants to listen.

My name is Ea Ritchie and I am 14. and I have been singing now for approx 10 years and I now study under Margo Levae of Tri-City School of Music (for 7 years now – Piano and song). I have typically sung jazz, but am now branching out to sing folk and alternative music after teaching myself to play guitar. I am also now performing in open mic nights in Port Moody.

I’ve always had music in my life.  My family would listen to records (yes, I’m 58 years old!)–The Guess Who, Cher’s Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, The Bee Gees, The Mamas and the Papas–and sing along. As I grew, I would try to match my voice with those wonderful female singers, Barbra Streisand, Kate Bush, Annie Lennox.  Singing has always been a comfort for me, a way to express my moods, whether contentment or misery. I just feel a lot better, feel a lot better, “When I Sing.”

My name is Madi McLaughlin, I’m 12 years old and I have loved singing since I could talk. I take piano and voice lessons at Long and Mcquade, and have been doing so for over a year. I love singing because it’s a way to express yourself, and a way to be creative, and have fun. When I sing, I feel as though it’s just me and the lyrics, no problems or troubles. It’s a way for me to let go of reality, even if it’s only for about two and a half minutes. To win this would be proving to myself that I am a good singer, and can do amazing things.

My name is Meghan Potter. I live in Port Coquitlam and am a grade 11 student at Terry Fox Secondary. I have been performing in musical theatre since the age of 8 or 9, and have grown up with a love for music and singing. I have been a student at the Lindbjerg Academy of Performing Arts since 2018, and have been taking private vocal lessons for three years. I have never participated in a competition, but am excited to have an opportunity to show the results of my training and to have this new experience. Thank you for considering me!

Hello, my name is Téa Kohli. I am 19 years old, and I have had a deep love for music and singing since I was a little girl. It was as the years went by, and I started to develop my voice, that my love grew. I’ve always had fun singing, I loved playing with sounds as I thought of them. Throughout my life I have struggled with depression, but I filled the void with singing. Thus, my love grew stronger. Singing gets me into the zone, where I am truly in touch with myself and my emotions. Down to it’s core, music to me is pure expression and fun!