Grace Musante

• Newburgh Free Academy Madrigals (Select Chorus) - 2022-2024
• Newburgh Free Academy Performing Arts Department Rookie of the Year - 2021
• All-County Chorus (Orange County, NY) – 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
• NYSSMA Rating – Level 6, Score of 100 (2023)
• All-County Jazz Chorus (Orange County, NY) – 2023
• All-County Jazz Chorus (Westchester County, NY) – 2024
• Area All-State (Section 9, Orange County, NY) – 2021, 2023
• Queens Summer Vocal Intensive Gala Solo: “Die Mainacht” by Brahms (2023)
• Aria recital at Interlochen Summer Voice and Opera Intensive Solo: “Che faro senza Euridice?” by Gluck and “Il Matrimonio segreto” by Cimarosa (2023)
• NYSSMA All-State Alternate – 2023
• Schmidt Vocal Competition Encouragement Award - 2023
• Sang twice in Carnegie Hall with the National Children’s Chorus (2018-2019) and once with the FBC Woodstock Worship Choir (2023)

Grace Musante, a 16-year-old mezzo-soprano hailing from New York, has garnered praise as a singer endowed with "very strong, natural talent" by Dr. Ian Greenlaw, Director of Voice and Opera at the Interlochen Summer Intensive. Inspired by her innate love for music and encouraged by her parents, Grace's musical journey began with piano lessons at a young age followed by voice shortly after which propelled her into the musical theater world.

Under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as Christine Heath, Jean Sharp, Corinn Springer, Samantha Burke and Metropolitan Opera Star Amy Shoremount-Obra, Grace's vocal talent flourished, leading to notable achievements including receiving the Encouragement Award at the Schmidt Vocal Competition in Montclair, New Jersey, and earning a perfect score in her NYSSMA Level-6 performance of Gluck's "Che farò senza Euridice?". Grace has had the privilege of participating in masterclasses led by esteemed instructors such as Korliss Uecker and Sherry Overholt. In the summer of 2023, she attended the Interlochen Summer Voice and Opera Intensive and the Queens College Summer Vocal Intensive where she performed in their annual gala. In the summer of 2024, she plans to attend the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

Beyond her solo performances, Grace has performed collaboratively in numerous ensembles. Noteworthy among these is her membership in the National Children's Chorus in NYC and FBC Woodstock Worship Choir, where she graced the iconic stage of Carnegie Hall on multiple occasions. She also lent her talents to Jubilate, a concert choir in Warwick, NY, and is currently a member of Madrigals, the select chorus at Newburgh Free Academy. Grace has performed in various All-County Chorus events in Orange County, NY, and expanded her repertoire by participating in All-County Jazz Choruses in both Orange and Westchester Counties. Additionally, her talents have been recognized with invitations to the Area All-State Chorus in Section 9 of Orange County, NY as well as the All-State Chorus for all of NY State. Finally, Grace has performed as myriad lead roles in musical theater productions throughout her educational career.

On top of her musical pursuits, Grace enjoys a diverse range of hobbies that add vibrancy to her life. She is a passionate dancer, proficient in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and modern styles, and she has passed the Royal Academy of Dance exams multiple times. As a Girl Scout, she earned both a Bronze and Silver Award. Her leadership skills have been recognized through her participation in the Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership conference, where she served as both an attendee and Junior Staff member. Additionally, Grace was selected as a school representative for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact in her community. She volunteers regularly through Girl Scouts and at her dance studio. Grace excels as a student, performing among the top one percent of her graduating class. In her free time, she finds joy in drawing, watching movies, traveling, exercising, trying new foods, and connecting with friends.

As she looks to the future, Grace dreams of pursuing a career as a professional opera singer and musical theater performer.