Olivia, a talented young vocalist from Opus 1 Music Studio, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone: she was accepted into the prestigious 2025 All-State Honors Choir! For Olivia, this achievement is not just about making it into an elite group of singers—it's a reflection of her dedication, passion for music, and the rapid growth she has experienced as a vocal student.
When Olivia first learned she had been accepted into the All-State Honors Choir, it was a moment of pure joy. “I was ecstatic because this was the first honors choir I had auditioned for, and I made it in!” she recalls. The audition process itself was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Her choir teacher had shared the details a month before the deadline, and with Teacher Young-Rang’s guidance, Olivia recorded three warm-ups and submitted them to her school choir teacher. As she awaited the results, Olivia reflected, “What motivated me the most to get involved was my passion for singing and my teacher's encouragement. She truly believed that I should go for it.”
For Olivia, becoming a singer has been a lifelong ambition, “I have always enjoyed singing since I was young, and my dream of becoming a singer began at the age of 7 when I watched Frozen,” she shares. The song “Let It Go” sparked an enduring love for singing that has only grown over the years. After being encouraged by her mom, Olivia began vocal lessons with Teacher Young-Rang at Opus 1 Music Studio in March 2024. Since then, her vocal skills have flourished under her teacher’s guidance.
One of Olivia’s key takeaways from her time at Opus 1 and working with Teacher Young-Rang has been the importance of confidence in performance. “Confidence is essential for singing well,” she says. “Studying with Teacher Young-Rang has helped me build my vocal skills and range. I feel that I have improved significantly under her guidance.” Olivia emphasizes that even the most beautiful voice can be lost without the self-assurance to project it. She applies this lesson not only in her singing but also in her school life, finding that confidence has made tasks like giving presentations much easier.
Balancing her academic work, extracurriculars, and vocal training has been manageable for Olivia, thanks to her efficient time management and the flexibility of practicing singing, “One thing I consider lucky about singing is that my body is my instrument, which means I can practice anytime and anywhere, she explains, adding that her daily routine includes 45 minutes of singing while walking or even in the car. This consistent practice has paid off, helping her develop both her technique and confidence.
As Olivia looks ahead to her future musical endeavors, she is already planning to audition for the High School All-State Honor Choir next year. “Although I’m not sure if I’ll make it, I’m committed to auditioning for a position,” she says. This forward-thinking attitude and determination reflect the same dedication that has helped her achieve her success so far.
Above all, Olivia remains passionate about her music, finding the most rewarding moments in her ability to connect emotionally with the songs she sings. “I realize how far I've come and how I can manipulate and control my voice to match my intentions,” she says, recognizing how much her vocal control and understanding of music have evolved.