Alison Haydu, a 15-year-old from Philadelphia, is a passionate musician with a rich musical journey. As a rising sophomore at Central High School, she is a member of the choir, jazz band, a cappella club, and the musical theatre program. Her vocal talents have taken her beyond the school walls, as she sings in the All-City High School chorus and the Philadelphia Girls Choir. Alison's performances have graced prestigious venues such as the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music, and she has even ventured internationally for summer tours. In addition to her vocal talents, Alison also plays guitar in a rock band called Modern Yesterday, where she has been collaborating with other talented musicians in Philadelphia since seventh grade, releasing songs on Spotify, and performing across the country.
This summer, Alison will attend jazz week of The Albert M. Greenfield All City Orchestra Summer Academy (ACOSA) at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, and the Wildflower Composers Festival at Temple University, where she will collaborate with others and strengthen her musicianship skills. For the upcoming school year, Alison has been accepted into the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly All-City Jazz Fellowship program for guitar.
10 Questions with Alison Haydu:
I love having access to numerous musical opportunities and being close to everything. I love the energy and diversity of living in the city, as well as being able to walk everywhere.
2. What advice would you give your nine-year-old self?
I would tell my nine-year-old self to believe in her dreams and to never give up. It's okay to fail and make mistakes; it’s how you learn and grow.
3. What did you enjoy most about participating in the Albert M. Greenfield All City Orchestra Summer Academy Jazz Week at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts?
I enjoy playing with people my age who are passionate about learning new things and collaborating with others. I was able to receive feedback from not only teachers, but the students as well. It was a great experience.
4. What are some differences between your musical experiences as a guitarist and a vocalist?
As a vocalist, I enjoy choral singing and intimate acoustic performances. On guitar, I play heavier music in a rock band, and switch gears to sophistication in jazz ensembles. However, I often bring the two together and sing while playing guitar, writing originals, or covering any genre I choose.
5. If you could play a concert with any musician, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I would play a concert with Stevie Nicks. She is a super important figure in rock music, and is a huge inspiration to me. I love her style, lyrics, and authenticity. Sharing a stage with her would be a dream of a lifetime.
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself going to college for music education in a big city, and hopefully playing gigs in my free time.
7. What was one thing that surprised you when you first joined a choir?
I remember coming out of online school and being amazed by how full and unified a hundred voices sounded when singing in a real choir. It was beautiful hearing everyone in the auditorium coming together and singing after being isolated for so long.
8. What are you most looking forward to at the Wildflower Composers Festival?
Seeing my composition come to life and meeting new people. I am excited to see what other composers come up with and to be able to talk to them.
9. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
I would go to Ireland. The scenery there looks breathtaking, and the music is unique. I also have family I have never met who live there.
10. Do you have any advice for people just getting started with learning an instrument?
My advice for people just getting started with learning an instrument is to practice like your life depends on it. It might not sound good the first time, but the more time and effort you put in, the more improvement you will hear. Also, listen to the songs you are learning over and over again, so you can internalize the feel of the song. Play with confidence, and never give up!
Alison's recommended playlist:
