Country music artist Carolyn Miller, whose vocal talents were developed in the Massapequa School District, visited with ninth graders on May 10 to talk about her path in the performing arts.
Miller spoke to the ninth grade choir at Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus, discussing her journey from Off-Broadway theater to country music singer. Her advice to students was to explore their interests and follow their desires, even if it means stepping outside of their comfort zones. She explained that she has found success because she said “yes” to opportunities when doors opened that she didn’t expect.
Massapequa’s music program helped Miller achieve a high level of success, she said. She joined the chorus at Berner Middle School and had the title role in “Annie” in seventh grade. In high school, she played Fantine in “Les Miserables,” which helped earn her the Coca-Cola Scholarship.
After graduating from Massapequa High School in 2007, Miller attended college at the Boston Conservatory and said her knowledge of music theory was stronger than almost all of her classmates there because of her superior music education.
Miller stressed the importance of being nice and treating everyone with respect. She noted that it’s very likely they will run into their former classmates later in life, and it’s better to be known as someone who was nice to people. She also discussed how she handles rejection by believing in her abilities and seeking better opportunities.
After a question and answer session with students, the choir sang “Just Believe” for her with ninth grader David Carroll on piano. Chorus teacher Malcolm Gilbert said he initially wanted to invite Miller to Alumni Career Day in April, but she was on tour, so she graciously agreed to come speak to his class when she returned.
“She’s a Massapequa success story,” he said. “She values the music education she got in Massapequa, and understands that not everybody is so fortunate.”
Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District
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