Seventeen-year-old Soren McLaughlin of Noblesville is spending part of her summer honing her musical talents alongside some of the nation’s most promising young vocalists. An upcoming senior at Noblesville High School, Soren is one of just 40 students from across the country selected to participate in the 2025 Songbook Academy, a prestigious summer intensive founded by five-time Grammy nominee Michael Feinstein and held annually at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
For Soren, music has always been an integral part of her life. She began singing in the choir during elementary school and has been a part of the show choir since seventh grade. At Noblesville High School, she sings in the school’s top mixed show choir and is the incoming president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Her passion extends beyond vocal performance. Soren has also played piano in jazz band and now serves as the featured vocalist for the group.
Soren first heard about the Songbook Academy from another NHS student who participated the year before. Curious, she reached out for guidance and auditioned, ultimately earning her spot in the elite program, which culminates in a final showcase performance at the Palladium.
“I’m really thankful and excited, but I’m also a little nervous,” she said. “I don’t know anyone else going in, but I think it’s going to be a really good opportunity.”
The Songbook Academy immerses students in the rich musical traditions of classic American standards and vocal jazz. Over the course of the week, participants live on the Butler University campus and attend daily masterclasses, vocal coaching sessions, and rehearsals. Students pair with a team of mentors, including renowned music educators and performers, to work on a solo piece and a group medley, which they perform during the final concerts.
Soren, whose chosen solo is a jazz standard, looks forward to learning more from her peers and experts in the jazz genre. “I just recently started getting into vocal jazz,” she said. “I’m excited to learn more about this style and improve my performance technique, especially since I’ve never performed at a venue as big as the Palladium before.”
While music is a significant part of her life, Soren is also deeply involved in a wide array of activities at NHS. She runs cross country and track, participates in unified sports, and is active in more than half a dozen clubs, including Key Club, Riley Dance Marathon (where she will serve as co-president), and the Mayor’s Youth Council. She’s also planning to lead the school’s ski club in her senior year.
As she looks ahead to college, Soren is considering multiple paths, including majors in health science, math, or statistics, but she’s certain music will remain part of her future. “I’d like to minor in music or at least take some music classes in college,” she said. “It’s something I can’t imagine not doing.”
For now, though, she’s focused on making the most of her week at the Songbook Academy by refining her skills, connecting with other young performers, and stepping into the spotlight at one of Indiana’s most iconic venues.
