Student Spotlight sponsored by Wittler Orthodontics.
Journee Woodley, an incoming senior at Westfield High School, has been accepted into The Great American Songbook Academy. It’s a national summer program for high school singers that focuses on the music of the Great American Songbook, including jazz standards, Broadway tunes and other popular songs.
“I started the application process in early February,” Woodley said. “My voice teacher at the time, Pam Mount, helped me pick out two contrasting songs and we rehearsed them each week. She also assisted me while recording the audition, along with the help of an accompanist. Emily Smith, my middle school choir teacher, also offered endless support during and after the audition process.”
Forty talented high school students are selected from a national application process to participate in the week of education and performances. The program is hosted by The Great American Songbook Foundation and takes place at the Palladium in Carmel.
“The students will stay in dorms at Butler University and travel to the Palladium each day,” Woodley said. “There have been many guest mentors, some of which I admire as artists, who have made an appearance in the past, and I am very excited for the opportunity to meet them. I am hoping to learn skills that will allow me to be a better musician, storyteller and performer.”
Woodley is looking forward to meeting other musicians. “I am expecting this to be a highlight of not only my summer, but of all my years in high school,” she said. “I am anxious to meet the other wonderful musicians and mentors that will be present during my week at Songbook. I am going into this experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn all that I can.”[Text Wrapping Break]
Woodley is also currently a member of Signature Sound, the acappella jazz ensemble at Westfield High School. “I have been in Signature Sound since my sophomore year, and it has helped me discover myself as a musician,” she said. “I don’t think I would have ever found myself wanting to be a jazz singer if it weren’t for this ensemble. I have made so many great friends and learned so much about myself while being in this wonderful group.”
