Backstage before the all-choir Winter Concert, Olivia Merolla did her makeup and checked her outfit over. The first high school choir to perform was Reverse A Cappella, and Olivia inspected the red and black for any blemishes. She took a moment to smooth out any wrinkles, ensuring that she looked her best for the performance.
During the school day, Merolla participates in Revere’s choir program, performing in Symphonic, Chorale, and Reverse A Cappella. She plays crucial roles in all three, being an alto assistant section leader in Chorale and developing choreography for Reverse. In Chorale, she strives to create the best sound for herself and her section. For this reason, Revere High School Choir Director Sierra Pabon chose Merolla for the role.
“Olivia is very personable, and she never settles. If it can be better, she will make it happen, and her people skills make it easy for her to communicate that to her peers and to make it happen, because choir isn’t a solo project,” she said.
Her choreography work for Reverse A Cappella is another testament to her creativity and leadership. Developing choreography that complements the music while engaging the audience is a challenging task, but one that Merolla handles with finesse. Her ability to visualize the flow of movement and translate it into coordinated routines that enhance performance is a skill that sets her apart.
“In A Cappella, she does a lot of our choreo, and that’s a lot of work. She has a great ear, or eye rather, for where people need to be, keeping similar parts together, and making things interesting without sacrificing vocals,” Pabon said.
In the Symphonic Band, Merolla’s contributions are equally significant. Participating in band camp, an intensive period of rehearsal and performance preparation demonstrates her endurance and dedication. The physical and mental demands of band camp require participants to be disciplined and focused, qualities that Merolla embodies. Her ability to excel in such a demanding environment speaks volumes about her commitment to her musical pursuits.
“Band camp is very, very demanding, and being able to keep up with it I think speaks a lot to her abilities,” Symphonic Band Director said.
Outside of her school activities, Merolla’s participation in her church worship group allows her to connect with her community through music. This involvement is not just about performing; it’s about sharing her love for music with others and using her talents to inspire and uplift those around her.
“Most of what I do comes from a place of love and the sense of community I get. It gives me a big sense of purpose and I love being able to help people find that, even if it’s only a little bit,” Merolla said.
Balancing her various commitments requires careful planning and prioritization.
“Balance takes a lot of prioritizing, at least for me. I wish I could do everything and be everywhere all the time, but I can’t, so a lot of time management, a lot of deciding what needs done now and what can wait, that kind of thing,” Merolla said.
Merolla’s involvement in multiple ensembles has not only honed her musical skills but also developed her leadership abilities. As an alto assistant section leader in Chorale, she works closely with her peers to ensure that their performances are cohesive and polished. Her role involves more than just singing; it requires her to provide guidance and support to her section, helping them navigate the complexities of their pieces and improve their overall performance.
Halfway into her sophomore year, Merolla intends to continue all of these activities to the best of her ability.
