Martin is a vocal leader for A Cappella
FINE ARTS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Brainerd High School junior KoreAnn Martin's aspiration is to be a famous singer one day.
Martin sings to any song on the radio. It may annoy the people she's with, but she doesn't care.
Martin sings at school, church and weddings. In fifth grade, she made the cut for honors choir. Then, this school year, she made the cut for the high school's elite choir, A Cappella Choir.
A Cappella Choir Director Brian Stubbs said Martin is a leader in choir, involved in the program to better herself and to help others.
Brainerd High School junior KoreAnn Martin rehearsed a song with the A Cappella Choir on Monday. Martin was named Fine Arts Student of the Week. Brainerd Dispatch/Jennifer Stockinger » Purchase reprints of this photo.
Martin is one of the soprano section leaders and also is in Windfall. Martin has accompanied dozens of students with their solos, and she has accompanied the Concert Chorale. For her work in choir, Martin was named Fine Arts Student of the Week.
Following is a question-and-answer session with Martin.
How did you get involved in singing?
"I've always liked to sing. My dad was a radio DJ and we'd always listen to all his tapes in the car when I was young. My dad sings, he was in musicals and I'd watch him perform. My dad is not my biological father because I was adopted, but I know I got something from him (with my music).
"I look up to people with singing abilities who also play their own instruments, like Jamie Cullum and Alicia Keys. I taught myself how to play the guitar and I can also play the piano, the organ and I play the French horn in Symphonic Band. I also write my own music. I'm in the process of writing my own demo. My dad also writes music. I sing anything; it's a good source of meditation."
What type of songs do you write about?
"Christian songs and songs about my relationship with my father, my relationship with people in general, and they're kind of about boys, but not really because I don't understand them."
How's your demo coming?
"There are four songs on it, but only one is fully recorded. My mom bought me a microphone and I recorded the songs in a small room, but I need more equipment and knowledge on how to record before the demo will be done."
How does singing make you feel?
"Singing in a choir makes me feel important and responsible. Singing by myself allows me the chance to let go and it helps me think and comprehend the music.
"I work hard on my solos and I get down to the nitty-gritty, behind the notes, so I know what the song's about. I want to be part of it."
KoreAnn Martin
Art focus: A Cappella Choir.
Art activities: A Cappella Choir, Windfall, symphonic band, jazz band and drama.
Year: Junior.
Age: 17.
Artist most admired: Jamie Cullum.
Favorite TV programs: Independent films.
Favorite movie: "Le Fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain."
Favorite food: Asian cuisine.
Favorite song: "Ever After You" by The Gabe Dixon Band.
Favorite book: "Calling the Swan" by Jean Thesman.
Parents: Paula and Mark Martin of Baxter.
What solo are you working on now?
"My solo for the Minnesota All-State Choir, which will be held later this month. I'm singing an aria (song) from the Opera of Julius Caesar called 'Piangero.' Stubbs had two pieces for me to choose from, and I like a challenge, so I picked this one. Stubbs is good at teaching and I trust his judgment. I earned a superior rating with this song at the solo and ensemble contest and I had to sing in front of 40 to 50 random faces. Before the contest, Stubbs would tell us not to do like 40 things and I did all 40 things because I was nervous."
Do you do many solos?
"I did a solo at the fall concert and the Christmas concert. I also do solos in Windfall."
What are you working on in A Cappella Choir?
"We're working on pieces for the Central Lakes Conference concert. There'll be a lot of schools there to listen, too. We're working on songs that we've sang already this year."
What is your greatest strength in choir?
"I'm a great leader. I don't want the music to be something I don't like. I also like helping others. If anyone has a question, I'm more than willing to help them.
"I'll take anything on because I love music so much."
Your weakness?
"Patience. If I'm not understanding the music or if people are getting out of line I lose my patience."
You also accompany other choirs?
"I accompany the Concert Chorale and I accompanied every concert in school at Mississippi Horizons. I also have played the piano for concerts.
"I love it. I should learn how to say no sometimes, but I know it helps and it's another chance for me to show people what I can do.
"I want to learn how to play the violin, the trumpet and the clarinet this summer. I want to learn as many instruments as possible because the band teachers I've had know all the instruments and this would be my training to be a teacher in case I have to be one."
Honorable mentions:
Andrew Goulson, senior, pottery: Goulson's pottery adviser said, "Andrew's interest and work ethic in pottery is fun to observe. His progress on the potter's wheel has advanced steadily and he strives to better his skills each day he arrives in class."
Colin Sullivan, freshman, speech: Sullivan, who recently joined the varsity speech team, has consistently taken home awards in his category, Humorous Interpretation.
Alexa Hanson, senior, mock trial: Hanson's mock trial adviser said, "Alexa is a witness on the mock trial team, and her commitment and bubbly personality has helped to keep the team focused and motivated. When she testifies in court, she consistently scored high."
JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.