Dobbs Ferry Student Achieves Top Musical Honor

Juliet Morris performed with the All-State Mixed Choir, which included approximately 280 students from across New York State, at their annual concert in December, held at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester.

At first glimpse, Juliet appears to be a typical high school senior – socializing with friends, bemoaning her loss of sleep, and slightly stressing about the prospect of college acceptances.

But according to Adrienne Fuller, music teacher at Dobbs Ferry High School, Juliet has achieved the highest honor in New York State that a student can achieve in their high school music career. "This achievement is like winning the Heisman Trophy, only for musical accomplishments," Ms. Fuller said. "Ms. Morris is the first Dobbs Ferry High School student to be named to the prestigious singing group in at least the last 20 years."

"I've never been with more singers in my life!" said Ms. Morris about the time spent in Rochester. "We practiced for three days then performed on the final fourth day – for a total of ten hours a day – six pieces of classical music in English, Latin, German, Italian and Chinese." When asked if she is actually fluent in all these languages, she replied "While I am not fluent in the traditional sense, through rehearsing and singing the lyrics I am able to understand the cadence and inflection of each language."

Be assured, Morris comes from a musical family. Her younger sister is well versed at the piano, her dad the guitar, piano and also voice while her mom is a is a music enthusiast and can carry a tune.  She added that her great grandma was deeply immersed in the jazz tradition.

As for furthering her career, Morris has her sights set on college. "But not a strict conservatory program." she added.  "I'm looking for a strong music program that integrates aspects of English and the humanities – a well rounded program."

In order to meet admission requirements at these institutions, Morris had to submit an audition tape, which included her vocal interpretation of seven songs in three different languages - two in Italian, two in German and three in English, all operatic selections.  She is also required by many of the college programs to audition in person. For those interviews, Morris is also expected to "site sing" or read notes sight unseen and then perform a song that she has never practiced.

Added Morris, there is no early decision or early action in these college programs. Since these institutions must process the huge amount of student information that accompanies the admission process, final decisions won't be rendered until April. So, unlike many of her classmates who just last week could claim a college acceptance, she will have to wait a bit anxiously. "No 'senioritis' for me." she added.

When asked how she will spend the holiday break she said "Sleep, sleep, a little singing, and more sleep." She also mentioned three videos that are on her short list.

Morris' true love is opera.  She loves the combination of performing in a foreign language, the challenges of the "ridiculous pitch changes" and the general competitive nature of the genre.  She sees herself continuing her musical education beyond college, possibly at a foreign graduate school.  "I like working outside my comfort zone." she says. "I would also like to travel to Italy, the birthplace of the true romantic language. But I just love to sing!"