Student artist of the month: Nicole Lee ’26

Nicole Lee ’26 has been immersed in music for as long as she can remember. Her passion for singing, particularly jazz, began at a very young age. Over the years, she has dedicated her time to exploring music and honing her vocal skills. Currently, she is a dedicated member of PHS Choir, contributing to performances that showcase talent and passion for music. She serves as a co-leader of the acapella group Cloud Nine and a member in Studio Vocals.

What inspired you to be a singer?

I was part of a [program] called Princeton Girlchoir outside of school, so I wanted to try choir class in high school because I wasn’t part of one in middle school ... Apparently, I was told I started singing before I could talk ... so maybe when I was [around two], I just always loved to sing.

Will you continue to sing after you graduate?

I would definitely continue to sing after graduating. I have a lot of interest in college acapella groups because they’re pretty cool. I might try that out. But other than that, I’m not sure if I’ll really pursue a career in music, although I really enjoy it. I think it’s more of a hobby than a career.

How do you prepare for performances?

For choir, it’s a little more laid back. [We] just warm up together, and then we start singing. It’s easier with the choir, but when it’s solo singing with a band, I usually [do it] with my friend who’s with me. We warm up together in a room, and then we practice a little. It’s a little more nerve wrecking.

What singers do you look up to the most?

I look up to Ella Fitzgerald. She’s amazing ... I just love [her] jazzy voice and style, so I always try to replicate it, but make it my own, of course.

What is your experience like in your a cappella group?

I love my a cappella group. I’m in Cloud Nine and I auditioned my freshman year, and I got in my sophomore year, and now I’m a co-leader because I’m a senior. It’s so fun, and I always tell all my friends to try out and audition.

Can you describe a challenging piece you have performed and how you overcame it?

There was this one song called, “What a Difference a Day Makes.” It was my audition song to get into Studio Vocals and it has three key changes. It was rough. It was really hard, but I did get through it ... I had to sit in a room and learn it.

Do you find it difficult to balance choir with the other aspects of your school life?

It’s not challenging because it’s just a fun class, I get to do it with my schedule, so it’s like a break from the core classes [that] I take most of the time ... I always just try to get [my work] done in school and [even] if I can’t ... I always find time to sing or practice my pieces, because it’s fun for me and I actually want to do it.

What is your favorite memory as a singer?

This summer, I went with the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra to Italy. We toured Italy, and I got to sing with the band, and that was really fun for me.