Higher Voice Studio

🎭✨ Student Spotlight: Genevieve Ressler ✨🎭

Genevieve Ressler took on the role of Katherine in Freaky Friday at Fort Couch Middle School and turned audition chaos into a story of growth, humor, and heart.

Her audition started in a rush. “My entire audition felt crazy,” she said, racing across school to make her 30-minute slot while multiple auditions were happening at once. She arrived basically “next up,” with no time to warm up or calm nerves. Still, she walked in shaking and chose to sing anyway. 🎶

Mid-song, things got tricky. Her voice wavered, she reset, and pushed through high notes that did not fully cooperate. “My heart dropped,” she said after a slip. She even asked to redo it, but the directors said no and told her that her belting sounded great. Her immediate thought was that she did not get cast.

After no callback, she assumed it was over. Then the cast list came out. “My recovery had saved it all,” she said. A reminder that finishing strong matters more than being perfect.

Once rehearsals began, Freaky Friday became organized chaos in the best way “Everyone was so supportive and enthusiastic,” she shared, with cafeteria singing, constant line quoting, and musical theatre energy in every hallway. 🎶

A highlight was her friendship with Bella, her onstage counterpart. “For years I was intimidated by her,” Genevieve admitted, “but she was extremely supportive and friendly.” That grew into a real friendship with weekly hangouts and lots of laughter.

The show also became a major vocal milestone. “This was my first real chance to show my singing voice.” With support from castmates, adults, and voice lessons with Carolyn, she built confidence and started going for high notes instead of avoiding them.

By closing night, emotions were high and waterproof mascara was necessary 😭💄 “We all knew it was ending,” she said, “and I would give anything for one more show.”

Freaky Friday became friendship, growth, and a reminder that messy auditions can lead to the best experiences.

✨🎓Senior Spotlight: Abby Horn 🎓✨

For three years, Abby Horn has grown as a performer and storyteller, guided by Carolyn Smith and Matty Thornton while at Baldwin High School. This fall, she will attend the University of Pittsburgh Main Campus, pursuing a BA in Theatre Arts and a BA in Arts in Public Service. 🎭

Abby’s passion for theatre extends beyond the spotlight. While she loves performing, she is excited to explore set design, directing, and stage management to better understand everything that brings a production to life. She also plans to continue voice lessons, staying connected to a craft that brings her so much joy.

One of Abby’s biggest transformations has been her confidence. She began lessons feeling shy and unsure, but over time she built strength and trust in her voice. As her technique improved, so did her self confidence, helping her grow not just as a performer, but as a person. 🌟

Her advice is simple: do not hold back. Give your full effort in lessons, practice, and performance. Growth can be challenging, but pushing through those moments is what makes the journey so rewarding. 💫

A memorable moment came when Abby made the difficult decision to step back from a recital due to illness. Choosing to protect her voice taught her an important lesson about self respect and caring for her instrument.

And of course, Carolyn's signature “MA’AM! 👀🤨” adds humor to lessons when mistakes happen.

Abby is especially grateful for Carolyn Smith, whose guidance and support have made a lasting impact. Knowing she always has someone in her corner has shaped her into the performer and person she is today. ❤️

Happy National Cheese Day from Wee Voices! 🧀🎶

You may think early childhood music classes are about music education, brain development, and social growth.

And they are.

But they are also about singing “The Wheels on the Bus” with Oscar worthy emotional commitment at 9:15 in the morning while holding a scarf and sweating lightly from excessive tambourine cardio.

At Wee Voices, we proudly embrace the cheese.

The songs are cheesy.
The dance moves are cheesy.
The number of times we sing about a duck saying “quack” is frankly concerning.

And somehow? The kids LOVE it.

Because toddlers do not want cool. Toddlers want enthusiasm. They want you to moo like your dignity left your body years ago. They want to shake maracas with the intensity of a rock concert. They want key changes nobody asked for.

And honestly, so do we.

The truth is, all that delightful musical chaos is helping children build rhythm, language skills, coordination, confidence, creativity, and social connection. Which means every wildly dramatic rendition of “Old MacDonald” is technically educational.

So this National Cheese Day, we celebrate the magic of being just cheesy enough.

Extra cheese. Extra giggles. Extra shaking the egg shaker like it owes you money. 🧀✨

🗓 Mon / Fri / Sat
🕘 9:00–9:45 AM
💲 $20 per class | $10 per sibling
👨‍👩‍👧 Grownups attend FREE

🔗 Link in bio to join us!

Senior Spotlight: Jersey Jaymes Diehl 🎓🌟

For the past two years, Jersey has experienced major growth in both her voice and confidence while working with Hilerie Klein Rensi through Higher Voice Studio. What began as uncertainty about her abilities has transformed into a strong sense of self trust and vocal freedom. This fall, Jersey will attend Ball State University to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater and continue chasing the dream of a career in musical performance. 🎭✨

Through consistent lessons and personal breakthroughs, Jersey has watched her range expand and her mindset shift. The version of herself who once felt invisible has been replaced by someone who recognizes her own strength, talent, and potential. She learned she was capable of far more than she ever imagined.

Jersey’s advice to younger students is to soak up every lesson like a sponge. Trust the process, stay open to new techniques, and do not let self doubt take over. Growth can feel uncertain at first, but persistence always pays off.

One unforgettable moment came during an early lesson while working on head voice exercises. Scale after scale, she kept reaching higher notes with complete shock, realizing she could do things she never thought possible. 🎶

And perhaps one of the funniest moments happened after Jersey confidently explained she was “an alto” because that was her choir part. Mid scale, Hilerie suddenly stopped playing, looked over, and simply said, “Alto... hmm.” 👀😄

Jersey credits Higher Voice Studio with completely changing the course of her future. Beyond improving confidence, technique, and range, the experience helped shape her into a stronger and more self aware person. ❤️

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🎶✨ Performance Announcement ✨🎶

Dr. Joe Dangerfield will be performing with Voce Solis in an upcoming production of Joby Talbot’s powerful choral work, Path of Miracles.

This stunning piece explores the spirituality, physicality, and mysticism of the Camino de Santiago through ancient texts and contemporary music, creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.

📍 Performance Dates:
• Friday, June 5 at 7:30 PM
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, Mt. Lebanon

• Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 PM
Hope Lutheran Church, Cranberry

• Sunday, June 7 at 4:00 PM
Sewickley United Methodist Church

All performances are free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of donors.

Come experience this moving musical journey and support the incredible work of Voce Solis. 💛

A huge round of applause for Livia Rocco on earning the Gene Kelly Award for Best Supporting Actress for her standout performance as Elizabeth Benning in Young Frankenstein at Woodland Hills High School! 🎉🎭

From impeccable comedic timing to commanding stage presence, Livia delivered a performance full of confidence, personality, and unforgettable moments. Bringing such an iconic character to life takes both skill and dedication, and this honor is incredibly well deserved.

Congratulations, Livia, on this exciting achievement! We are thrilled to celebrate your success and cannot wait to see what you do next. ✨

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❄️✨ Student Spotlight: Haleigh Halbrock ✨❄️

Haleigh Halbrock brought magic, heart, and sisterhood to the stage as Elsa in Frozen at Chartiers Valley Middle School.

From unforgettable backstage moments to stunning transformations on stage, this production became one she will always treasure. During one early rehearsal, “the girl who played Pabbie and the boy who played Kristoff were throwing a squishy to each other. Suddenly it hit the ceiling and a large piece of the ceiling fell down!” While the moment was definitely scary, everyone was okay and thankfully “no ceiling pieces fell during a performance!” 😅

One performance moment stands out above the rest. “The moment that will replay in my head for years to come is when Elsa’s coronation dress changes into the ‘Let It Go’ dress.” With the help of stage manager Mimi backstage, the transformation became pure theatre magic. “The dress looked like it melted away to reveal the beautiful, sparkly blue dress underneath. It was such a magical moment that made everybody cheer and that made me feel very happy.”

Haleigh also found a special connection with her castmates, especially Finley Asti, who played Anna. “She has such a beautiful voice and I feel that we became such great friends throughout the performance. I really enjoyed getting to be her sister.”

What she will miss most is the family created throughout the process. “I became super duper close to not only the leads but also the ensemble and crew. This is a show I may never be able to top, cast-wise.” She adds, “I will definitely miss coming to rehearsal every day to see my favorite people.”

A show full of friendship, laughter, and a little bit of Disney magic ❄️

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Congratulations to Jersey Jaymes Diehl on winning Best Actress at the Henry Mancini Awards for her incredible performance as Mae Tuck in Tuck Everlasting at Freeport Area High School! ✨

Your heartfelt storytelling, beautiful talent, and unforgettable stage presence brought Mae Tuck to life in such a powerful way. This recognition is so well deserved, and we could not be more proud of everything you have accomplished.

Brava, Jersey! We cannot wait to see where your talent takes you next. 💙🎭

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🎤☀️ OPEN MIC NIGHT: SUMMER VIBES EDITION ☀️🎤

Grab your sunglasses, your best beach energy, and that one poem you wrote at 2 a.m. that TOTALLY makes sense in daylight.

On June 12th from 6:30–9:00 PM, we’re turning up the heat (metaphorically… please still wear deodorant) for a night of music and whatever else your summer soul is brave enough to unleash.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone who thinks “open mic” means silently regretting your decision in front of strangers (especially if that), this night is for YOU.

Expect:
🎶 Sun-soaked songs
😂 Unexpected comedy gold
🌴 Vibes so strong they require SPF 50

Bring your talent, your friends, and your best “I definitely meant to do that” stage confidence.

June 12 | 6:30–9 PM
Summer vibes only. Emotional damage not included (but lightly encouraged for dramatic effect).