Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Request Info
Exceptional Programs, Small Classes, and Talented faculty
Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Learn More
Academy graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe. Astronauts, world-renowned doctors, fashion designers, chefs, filmmakers, zombie experts, world travelers – our alumni are proof that students become determined, courageous, and caring individuals ready to take on life's next challenges. Learn More
Founded in 1838, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburgh’s oldest independent coeducational school. Learn More
Grade 8 Student Auditions for NBC’s “The Voice”
By: Madison Weaver, Communications and Media Intern
Grade 8 student Felicia N. auditioned for NBC’s “The Voice” in Philadelphia on June 4.
Unable to try out for the show in past years because of age requirements, Felicia decided to audition this year because the minimum age was lowered to 13. She was asked to prepare two songs in a genre of her choice for an unaccompanied, a capella audition. Felicia only had 45 seconds to wow the producer in her audition room. A self-proclaimed country singer, Felicia chose to sing Carrie Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova” and Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.”
After her audition, the judge told Felicia and the other performers in the room who did not advance to the next round to continuing singing and refining their skills. Felicia was happy to receive feedback from her peers at the audition, who recognized her amazing talent and urged her to continue working on her craft. “This experience was amazing and I want to audition again next year,” Felicia said. “I learned a lot about the process and about myself. I think that this experience will really help me shape what kind of performer I want to be.”
Competitors sign up for open auditions on “The Voice” website and are given an artist pass for their audition city of choice. Performers who pass the first round receive a red card as a callback for the second round, then a select few are invited to the Blind Auditions seen on the show.
“Out of my time there, I only saw one girl receive [a red card],” Felicia said. “Just in the hour I was waiting for my audition, there were more than 500 people waiting for their chance to impress the judge.”
The experience has only strengthened Felicia's drive to advance her singing career, and she knows the Academy is behind her 100 percent. “Sewickley Academy has helped me prepare for this audition by supporting me and teaching me how to become more confident,” she said. “Ms. Lukaszewicz has always stressed resilience, and that has helped me keep my head up and decide to try again next year!”