Art can be enjoyed in many different ways and here at Warren, we have some talented creators. The choir can sometimes go overlooked, but one student making sure that does not happen is Mia Stewart. Day in and day out, she provides a spot-on performance and her achievements reflect that.
“My biggest motivation is my love for singing and my need to win. The more I practice and rehearse, the better our choir becomes,” Stewart said.
Music has had a large impact on Stewarts' life and it is reflected in what she has been able to do. Going into her senior year, she has had the lead role in the fall musical of “Sister Act.” At their first competition of the season, she was one of the three to receive the best performer, received the best solo in a show, and the solo division grand champion.
“The biggest issue is if one person doesn’t do well, the choir doesn’t do well. It is one of those things where we are only as strong as our weakest link, but literally. Somebody’s mood can affect the entire rehearsal, performance, or competition day,” Stewart said.
Although choir is a group activity Stewart takes on a leadership role. From all the accomplishments acquired in her senior year alone, those around her can tell she's a hard-working person. Currently at a 3.6 GPA worth ethic is shown not only in choir class but the rest of her academics.
“Next year I plan on being in the musical theater department at IU Bloomington so I can continue my music career,” Stewart said.
Not only is she going above and beyond now she's planning on attending the school with the 4th best theater department in the fall. She has provided constant dedication to her craft and plans to keep putting forth effort in the future.
“Every single performance gives me a different feeling at the end. Sometimes I’m proud of us, other times I’m a little disappointed in myself. But somehow I always get better after each one,” Stewart said.
One of the most important aspects for a performer whether it be choir or athletics is drive. Oftentimes people will get discouraged and it will prevent them from giving it their all. Stewart is not an example of that, she shows constant dedication no matter what challenges arise. Drive is something that steadily grows with you and can lead you to success. She has been working on herself since freshman year and has been improving ever since then.
When asked what advice she would give her freshman self, she said the following.
“First off, I would fix her hair, because it was a mess. But I would tell her ‘don’t be the person that thinks they’re better than everyone else. You have so much to learn, and so much growth coming. So don’t change for anybody, but don’t think you’re better just because you got a solo.“ I would also tell her not to be too hard on herself because she earned each and everything you got,” Stewart said.
Where most people would be met with big heads and a cocky mentality, Stewart fought through that. It is detrimental to maintain a rational composure especially when it comes to performing. In the current industry, there are a lot of people who like to showboat at act pretentious, but understanding the value in avoiding that early on is good, which is exactly what Stewart shows.
“Personally, I wouldn’t change anything about my experience, because it has been so eye-opening and exciting for me. But if I had to choose something, it would definitely be my attitude about each solo I got. I feel like sometimes I get too cocky about things, so I just need to relax when it comes to things like that,” Stewart said.