For Young Singer, Graduation Is A Place to Shine
Those attending the George Mason High School graduation last Wednesday were witness to more than just a celebration of the George Mason Seniors’ achievement of a milestone. They were also able to catch a glimpse of a startlingly good performance of the song “When You Believe,” by a trio of singers, led by freshman Jessica Cartwright (right).
Band director Mary Jo Webster chose the song because of its inspiring qualities appropriate to graduation. “It’s about believing you can achieve what you believe,” said Ms. Webster.
The trio was chosen to allow members of the band, Cartwright, Jason Martinez, and Daisy Torla the opportunity to step out of the band and show their singing skills.
Although Cartwright is just a freshman, Webster wasn’t concerned about the performance. “It doesn’t matter what age you are, it’s you ability,” Webster said.
Cartwright echoed that statement, saying she wasn't nervous about doing well. She has been performing for years at her church, as well as in theatrical productions, and other concerts.
For Cartwright singing has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, although she admitted she hasn’t always been good.
“I used to sing in the shower,” she said. “I was horrible.”
A far cry from those days performing to the tiles, Cartwright has worked her way to musical majesty through constant practice. “I sing all the time,” she said. “I grew up singing along to everyone,” Cartwright added. Cartwright said that she will sometimes walk along the streets with a walkman on singing to herself out loud.
This summer Cartwright will be adding technical discipline to her constant practice. She is planning on beginning voice lessons, which, surprisingly, she hasn’t taken previously.
Cartwright is excited about the possibility of getting help with her singing. “Anything that can improve my voice, I’ll take,” she said.
Presenting a song to an audience, though, is more than just having a good voice. Cartwright sees it as a complete performance. “You can have the most beautiful voice in the world, but if you’re stone-faced, who’s going to want to watch you,” said Cartwright.
Cartwright has been working on her stage presence since her first play in 6th grade and has developed confidence on stage as a singer and an actor.
The outstanding performance on Wednesday belied the short rehearsal period that the trio had in preparing the song. With the complicated music that the band was presenting, there was very little time set aside for the three to practice.
Cartwright remembers the excitement of putting the song together. “The first time we matched the voices with the band, it was amazing,” said Cartwright.
While she has heard a lot of praise for her performance, Cartwright refused to accept all the responsibility for the quality of the song. Instead she lauded praise on her fellow singers. “Without Jason and Daisy, the song wouldn’t be a song,” she said.
While not surprised about the quality of the performance, Ms. Webster has been impressed by the response from the audience. “I’ve heard nothing but good comments,” she said.
The rave reviews are not what drives Cartwright, though. Even as she stands on stage singing in front of hundreds of people, what really drives her is still her love of music. “It’s a way to express my emotions,” she said. The class of 2004 is glad she expressed it for them.
