Senior Braeden Rose has been pursuing his passion for music since sixth grade. As a member of select ensembles at KO – Outlook and Crimson 7 – he continues to improve his skills as a vocalist.
While he took music classes during elementary and middle school, Braeden’s first true performing experience was when he auditioned for his sixth-grade musical, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and was cast as Charlie Bucket, the lead. Even as a young student, he was very dedicated to his role. “Sixth grade was the first time I was given any constructive feedback on my singing abilities,” Braeden said. “Before then, I didn’t really know that I could sing well.”
When he was first introduced to the world of musical theater, Braeden did not think that singing would become one of his favorite things to do. However, his perspective has changed. “After doing musical theater for so long,” Braeden said, “I can honestly say that I have grown to enjoy singing better than acting.”
Braeden continued to participate in school musicals throughout middle school. When he arrived at KO as a junior, he joined the chorus and auditioned for Outlook and Crimson 7. “I was really surprised to get into Outlook and Crimson 7 because I had never taken any voice lessons, but I was really excited,” he said.
Braeden has auditioned for various solos as a part of his vocal ensembles. In the 2019 Winter Choral Concert, he performed a solo in the piece “Every Time I Feel the Spirit.”
“I think that was one of the first solos I performed in front of a really big group of people at the high school level,” Braeden said.
Since then, Braeden has worked with Choral Director Steve Mitchell, who is also his voice teacher, to improve and audition for other ensembles including the Northern Regionals Choir. The audition process included learning a song in Italian, a challenge Braeden was more than willing to accept. “I love learning songs that are in a different language because it adds an extra layer of challenge and it is not something I’m used to,” Braeden said.
Last year during the winter musical, Braeden played the antagonist of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Mrs. Meers. “It was definitely very out of my comfort zone, and I had to try a lot of new things, but I think it really helped me improve as an actor,” Braeden said. Unfortunately, this year’s musical has been canceled due to the pandemic and the consequent restrictions placed on singing and performing. However, he looks forward to being able to work one on one with Broadway actors throughout the school year.
Currently, Braeden is working with Mr. Mitchell to create a portfolio that he can submit to colleges. Even though he doesn’t intend on majoring in music or theater, Braeden hopes to take his acting and singing experience with him to college and continue to expand on his knowledge.
