Credit: Maggie Agyeman

Join WSPN’s Karis Tam as she talks to WHS junior Maggie Agyeman about her singing career.

Join WSPN’s Karis Tam as she discusses Wayland High School junior Maggie Agyeman’s singing career.

How did you start your singing career?

I have been singing my whole life, but the first time I sang in a group was in elementary school with Happy Hollow’s fourth- and fifth-grade chorus. I’d already been playing violin for two years and doing a few summer theater programs at the time, so I was familiar with basic musical terminology and reading notes.

When I got to middle school, I sang with their select chorus. And that experience led me to audition for the [Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA)] Jr. District Choir in eighth grade. Singing at Districts made me realize how much joy choral music can bring, which inspired me to participate in similar festivals in high school.

Tell me about the organizations you sing with and why you’re part of them.

I mainly sing with [WHS’s] a cappella [group called] the Muses, the Wayland High School Theater Ensemble and choral associations like the MMEA.

Why? The community. Theater, in particular, is one of the best spaces for finding your people, because the extent to which you spend time with your castmates makes it impossible not to build close connections. Plus, I love the impact these organizations have on their audiences. It’s such a treat to watch each audience member’s reaction and know that your performance could be touching someone’s heart.

What pushed you to audition for the different organizations?

A lot of the push came from my family and teachers. My theater and choral directors were constantly reaching out to me about new audition opportunities, so eventually I just decided to take them.

The person I credit most to my success, though, is my mom. She’s always instilled in me the mentality of “why not,” reminding me that every audition outcome can be positive. If I get accepted or get the role I want, I get a fun performance opportunity. If I don’t, I’ll take home a learning experience. This framework takes the pressure off of auditions and makes them a lot more enjoyable for me. Plus, I’ve gotten to meet so many kind and talented musicians in the process.

What are some of your favorite memories of singing?

One of my favorite memories of singing is from last year’s spring a cappella concert. I absolutely loved the set list the Muses put together, since the songs were a special tribute to each of the eight seniors in our group. There was a lot of excitement and nostalgia that came with performing with them one final time.

I remember crying after we sang “The Scientist” by Coldplay, because the lyric “take me back to the start” brought me back to the very first time I got to sing with my fellow Muses, who, in a short time had become an integral part of my high school experience.

What is one piece of advice you would give to younger students?

Your musicianship is only as serious as you take it. Plenty of students sing here and there as a hobby, or take a music class to fulfill their fine arts requirement — that’s fine. There are also people who rehearse for multiple hours on end and take lessons. I think it’s up to each student to decide where music fits into their life, based on both their priorities and schedules.

Vocal performance is something I value deeply and plan to bring with me beyond high school, but that doesn’t inherently mean it will end up as my career. For anyone out there who is devoted to their instrument but is unsure of where it fits into their future, you don’t have to have it all figured out. As long as you continue making music in some way, it’s impossible to waste your potential.