Kenan Ozer, a senior and avid member of the music and theatre department at Niles West, has recently been awarded a place in the 2018 National Association for Music Education’s (NAFME) All-National Mixed Choir. To receive this placement, one must be ranked as a top singer in the state of Illinois. Ozer is one of those top singers. This November in Orlando, Florida, Ozer will be representing Niles West Choir with other nationally recognized high school singers in the All National Honor Ensembles.

Here, Kenan answers some questions about his experience.

When did you start singing? 

“I started singing in 4th grade when I played Tom Sawyer in my elementary school play, and that was my first time ever being on stage and singing in front of people.”

Did someone get you interested in singing or did you discover this passion on your own?

“I started singing because I would see the 4th and 5th graders in their plays, and I would think that was so cool. I saw Pinocchio, and when I saw that I was mind blown like ‘Woah that’s awesome’ so that’s why I auditioned for Tom Sawyer.”

Do you take vocal lessons?

“I  do take vocal lessons on Friday during choir for about 40 minutes, and I study with Mr. Stanton every week. I started taking them freshman year.”

Does your singing ability have a place in your future plans? 

“I’m not sure yet, I’m leaning towards engineering and stuff like that, but I will for sure never stop music and the arts. For sure I will keep going.”

How did you feel when you heard you got into the All National Mixed Choir?

“Well, I opened my email and saw that they sent it to me. I was like ‘What?’ because I did not expect to get into it, I just auditioned. I thought ‘Okay, might as well [audition] if I’m eligible.’  But [w]hen I actually got the email saying that I was in, my heart just sunk because the first thing that came into my head was ‘Oh my god there is going to be so much more stuff to do.’ But after that, I was like ‘Okay this is awesome though, because I’m actually going to be able to do something crazy.’ That’s insane in my mind.”

Are you more excited or nervous for your Orlando trip this November?

“More nervous for sure because I don’t have my music yet, that’s one, and two, I have to stay in a room with a stranger. It’s the unknown that I’m scared about, but I’m sure I’ll be fine once I get there.”

Are you planning to participate in the Spring Musical?

“Yes I am for sure.”