Singing Sensation
A Knoch High School junior is a finalist in a youth singing competition for the Pittsburgh region and will perform live on-stage Monday night.
Brecken Farrell, 17, of Saxonburg is one of five students performing in a New Year's Eve concert known as Highmark First Night Pittsburgh. Brecken is one of many students who entered an audition video into this year's Williams Sing-Off competition, which is open to students in grades six through 12 who live within 150 miles of downtown Pittsburgh.
“I'm really happy to be a finalist and so excited to perform,” Brecken said.
Brecken's audition tape was judged by Peter Matthew Smith, who is playing King George in a national tour of “Hamilton,” which opens in Pittsburgh Jan. 1.
Although Brecken is a finalist, he will not be the winner of the competition. Smith has already selected the winner, Audrey Logan, of South Fayette High School. Still, all five finalists will perform Monday night.
Brecken is singing a medley of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and “Home.” The first is from “The Wizard of Oz,” while the latter is from the 1970s musical “The Wiz.” The combined arrangement of the songs was made and performed by Broadway singer Jeremy Jordan, Brecken said. Brecken also sang the medley in his audition tape.
“I feel like the song really showcased what my voice can do,” he said.
This is far from the student's first time on stage in Pittsburgh. He is enrolled in a pre-college program with the Pittsburgh Musical Theater. After attending a few classes at Knoch each morning, he drives down to Pittsburgh for lessons there.
Brecken's mother, Michelle, said her son has been singing for several years.“He's been involved in the theater since he was 6 years old,” Michelle said.Brecken has performed in 12 professional shows in Pittsburgh's Cultural District, he said, and “countless” shows featuring local teenagers.“I'm not too nervous,” Brecken said, laughing. “But sometimes, you never are until you get there.”Stage fright certainly isn't his first inclination when imagining the show.“I've always been very influenced and interested in music,” Brecken said. “When I'm on stage, I just really feel at home.”After high school, he plans to pursue a musical theater education, but has not yet made a decision on a specific program.Brecken submitted his video audition in November and learned he was a finalist on Dec. 20.The contest dates back to 2010, according to its website. Brecken said this was his first year entering it.The show will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Trust Arts Education Center in Pittsburgh's Cultural District.
