Featured Artist: Angelica Dillon
Senior Angelica Dillon has a great love for singing, which continues to grow as she cultivates her talent. She has been in Madrigals for the last two years, performed in many concerts and received a plaque for participating in South Central Kansas Music Educators Association (SCKMEA) District Choir.
This love for singing began with her sister, when she was living in Mexico.
“My sister taught me to sing,” Dillon said. “So from there on, I started singing more. I love singing. I used to be in choir in my seventh year in Mexico, and we started it, and it was just three people, and my passion for singing kept developing.”
She exudes this passion and shares it with others, music teacher Michelle Vardaman explained.
“Angelica wouldn't be able to go a day without singing, it is a part of her soul,” said Vardaman. “She loves singing in different languages and she always has great songs for us to listen to. Her eyes light up when she is singing or talking about singing.”
Although she loves to sing and perform, she faces challenges. She has learned to overcome her nerves by releasing adrenaline.
“I feel really nervous when I'm performing, but as a song develops, I start to feel a little bit more comfortable singing in front of people,” Dillon said. “I just–before the performance–I start jumping or just try to focus my mind on something that I know would take away my energy, because if you shake when you sing, that's adrenaline making you shake. So, I try to get rid of my adrenaline before a concert.”
Senior Majorite Mfaume, a close friend of Dillon’s, participates in Madrigals with her.
“We just met two years ago and she's the kindest person I've ever met so we're really close,” Mfaume said. “She's always helpful, and she pushes herself to learn songs.”
Dillon greatly enjoys music and how it allows her to express her feelings. Because of this, she spends much of her time practicing and learning, so that she can improve her singing. Reading music has proven difficult for her, but that does not keep her from doing well.
“I love music,” Dillon said. “It's just something that comes with me. Just being able to let my feelings out within the song, learning notes, reading the sheet music, everything. I practice a lot, and I listen to the songs over and over again. If it's a song that I like, I put it into my playlist. And just trying to read the music [is difficult] because I don't know how to read music, but I can follow the notes.”
Dillon’s determination and eagerness to learn have not gone unnoticed. Vardaman explained her continual improvement.
“She is always asking questions so she can learn more,” said Vardaman. “Angelica has become more confident with her tone, reading skills, and how we rehearse. Because of this, her tone is getting stronger and more focused every day. She is incredibly talented, brave and has the voice of an angel. God has blessed her with a beautiful talent.”