North Bergen High School alumnus Melissa Welz has had her share of experiences in music.
The singer, composer, and actress attended Jersey City University for musical theater. She quickly earned a job on Broadway alongside the cast in “Mary Poppins.” After a brief stint with the musical, she pursued a career as a music teacher.
“I wanted to work in my own town,” said Welz, whose twin sister, Krista, works at the North Bergen Public Library. Welz performs as a singer in venues around the area.
“The kids rub off on me,” she admits. “And everything that I do influences them.”
Kathrina Davila, an eighth grader, will play the piano
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“I’m terrified,” Welz said with a laugh. “There’s no rehearsals for that.”
The performance calls for an hour of Christmas songs. Welz has arranged each of her songs herself.
“Everything has to be perfect,” said Welz, adding that thousands of people will be in attendance.
In her fifth year as choir teacher, Welz hopes that she can do her best to pave the way for her students to pursue their dreams in the performing arts.
‘A once in a lifetime opportunity’
The advanced choir group recently performed at Radio City Music Hall for the third straight year. According to Welz, the group paved the way for Franklin School to earn their spot performing at the venue as well.
“The people who were [at Radio City] were very welcoming,” said Waira Uribe, an eighth grader. “I’m a shy person, but when you go up there you just lose your nerves. It’s fun.”
“You felt really at home once you got on the stage.” said Vanessa Velvez, also an eighth grader.
“I’m really proud that she [Welz] got us this far,” said eighth-grader Jeanette Davis. “Because of Ms. Welz and the chorus, I’ve become more open.”
Welz also mentioned that the past performance at Radio City was the most memorable yet.
“This year was the most phenomenal,” said Welz.
Welz mentioned that her students are currently preparing for a performance on Fox 5’s Good Day New York on Tuedsay, Nov. 29. One of her students, Kathrina Davila, an eighth grader, will play the piano while singing a rendition of Adele’s “Turning Tables.”
“I’m really excited because its something I’ve never done before,” said Davila, “but I have confidence.”
Many of the students, such as Velvez, mentioned the appreciation they have for Welz and her ability to book high-profile performances.
“The chorus wasn’t very involved until Ms. Welz came in,” said Velvez.
A good role model
Welz understands that as a young professional singer, her students look up to her.
“The job is very rewarding,” said Welz, who added that as a singer and composer, she is always pushing her interested students towards pursuing opportunities in the performing arts.
“I have to be a role model because I want them to be something great when they get out of High School,” added Welz. “When you influence at least one student to try out for an audition, you feel so much better about yourself.”
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.