STUDENT’S FIRST/ LAST NAME: Sammy Jo Barnes
PARENTS’ FIRST/ LAST NAMES: Jenn & Doug
GROUPS (orchestra, chamber singers, concert band, etc): concert band, musical
INSTRUMENT(s) (if applicable): bass clarinet
NUMBER OF YEARS PLAYING/SINGING: 8/9ish (started in 4th grade)
AWARDS/ RECOGNITION: PMEA Honors Band in 2016, 2017, Henry Mancini Musical Theater Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress, 2017; Best Actress, 2018
FUTURE PLANS/ COLLEGE OF CHOICE (MAJOR): I will be studying law at Dickinson College while also running on their cross-country & track teams.
OTHER ACTIVITIES (SCHOOL RELATED OR COMMUNITY): cross country, track, musical, newspaper, photography club
FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS MEMORY: Probably asking Mr. Hayden if I could have a sandwich break during one of our long band dress rehearsals. Funny how I haven’t changed much since middle school–I still don’t know when to keep my mouth shut!
FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECT AND FAVORITE TEACHER: well my favorite band teacher is Mr. Hayden, of course. My favorite class was either newspaper or APUSH.
What would you like to say to your performing arts teachers/directors? Thank you. Thank you for putting your faith in me when many others said I couldn’t, or didn’t deserve to do it. Just thinking about how much support I have received from Mr. Hayden, Ms Bronder, Frau Kramer, Mrs. Adams, and so many others every year makes me want to cry–each of these people have shaped me into the performer I am today, and I am forever grateful for it.
What would you like to say to your parents?
Mum, I’m sorry I won’t let you delete those really long PMEA band videos from sophomore year, I know it’s taking up your storage, but I just think we sound so good and I have trouble letting go of things.
What would you like to say to your performing arts peers, either specifically or as a whole?
Shoutout to the band kids that were nice to me even though I a) didn’t do marching band & wasn’t really “in” with the cult and b) had the audacity to skip a year and come back. You guys are awesome and I’ll miss you dearly.
Advice for underclassmen?
If you’re good, you’re good, period. Don’t let people tell you you’re not just because you are “younger” or “don’t take professional classes”. I’m so sick of that. Believe in yourself and trust me, these performing arts teachers know what they are doing–they will believe in you, too. You don’t need to be experienced to be talented.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?????????????????????
Just wanted to shout out two friends that have performed alongside me since middle school–Grace Venatta and Stephanie Justi. Two beautiful, gifted souls. I will forever cherish the memories made these past 7 years!
