We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amenah Ghani a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amenah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

How did you learn to do what you do?

I was fortunate to have a strong music program in my school district starting as early as kindergarten, which fostered my love for music early. Because my school district was able to offer such a strong music program, I was able to participate in choir and more advanced (honor) ensembles ever since third grade. They also afforded music leadership opportunities; I sang in the high school’s Chamber Choir and served as a section leader for two years. This allowed me to hone my leadership skills and help improve the program. I also sang in an after-school extracurricular Treble Ensemble. I enjoyed creating music with students not necessarily in the choral program. All these school opportunities allowed me to learn from different educators and musicians throughout the years.

In fourth grade, however, I heard about the Princeton Girlchoir of Westrick Music Academy in Princeton, New Jersey. I auditioned and joined. Being a part of Princeton Girlchoir for eight years taught me more than I imagined. They gave me a musical understanding beyond what my school could provide. I have learned musicianship, theory, artistry, leadership, and more. I connected with kids who shared the same passion as I did on a deeper level. I learned something new from my peers and music directors every rehearsal.

My first rehearsal for the Princeton Girlchoir is still vivid in my mind: I was a fifth grader in Quarter Notes. As I walked into the rehearsal space, I was greeted by a sea of friendly faces, a laminated solfege chart on the wall, and the chalkboard staff in the front. I had no idea that those girls and Princeton Girlchoir would instantly become my second family. From that moment, I knew I wanted to teach music. Princeton Girlchoir is my sanctuary; it’s a way I can leave any worries at the door and focus on making music with my friends. I have been privileged to work alongside some of the kindest and most talented people I am lucky to call my friends and mentors. In addition to the lifelong friendship, Princeton Girlchoir has helped me foster my passion for making music, for which I am eternally grateful.

All the musical directors and musicians at PGC have inspired me in one way or another. I started with Mr. Fred Meads, who has the bubbliest energy in and out of rehearsal and always has some fun tricks up his sleeve to make everyone smile. I am so grateful I got the opportunity to intern with Mr. Tom Shelton. He inspired me to be my best and gave me countless learning opportunities that allowed my passion for teaching music to flourish. Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins has been a massive inspiration to me. We rehearsed challenging pieces every week. While getting deep into the music, we instantly formed a connection. The energy Dr. Jenkins creates is warm and welcoming while simultaneously pushing us to work collectively to be the best ensemble we can be. Her dedication is unparalleled, and I always come out from rehearsals feeling grateful to be a part of this unique community. I hope to give my future students a space to feel themselves unapologetically, just as Princeton Girlchoir has created that space for me.

With the Princeton Girlchoir I’ve toured and performed in Italy, New Orleans, Hawaii, Montreal and Quebec. Every tour has something special about it, but Italy was the time I learned the most. I was an eighth grader, and there were 60 other girls on the trip. We learned challenging music and performed in spectacular venues like the Vatican. I learned many skills and improved my musicianship, but the best lesson I learned was not to be afraid to get outside your comfort zone. On that trip, I made friends with people of all ages, tried new activities, and learned not to be afraid of making mistakes. I realized that even though it seemed like the older girls never made mistakes and were perfect, they got there by making mistakes and learning from them.

My favorite songs that I sang with the Princeton Girlchoir are New Year Carol, and The Lord Bless You and Keep You. They are classics the Princeton Girlchoir sing every year. The way seniors tear up while singing these songs because of the impact PGC has had on them over the years holds a special place in my heart. Often, PGC alums will get up and sing the songs with us.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

Learn piano! I started taking lessons in March 2020. I wish that I had started lessons when I was younger. Since I started, I have noticed a vast improvement in my sight-reading abilities and general musicianship. I can only imagine the difference it could have made if I had started earlier.

What skills do you think were most essential?

Being proactive, uplifting others, and persevering.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

As a student who strives for perfection, I had to overcome that mindset, mainly because I have learned the most from my mistakes. When I was younger, I feared making mistakes, but I’ve been working on resolving this fear more and more over the years.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Amenah Ghani. I just graduated from high school in Montgomery, New Jersey, and am now studying music education at the University of Delaware. Ever since I can remember, I have loved music and singing. When I was five years old, my best friend and I would put on a show where I sang, and she danced. We then forced our parents to be our audience! In third grade, my school introduced the option for a before-school choir, and I signed up immediately. I fell in love with creating music with others, even if that meant I had to drag my mom out of bed an hour earlier once a week. I have sung in various honor choirs from the regional to the national level, allowing me to work with some incredible music educators and musicians across the country. In addition, I am a recent Princeton Girlchoir alumna of Westrick Music Academy in Princeton, New Jersey. My years singing with my school district and Princeton Girlchoir have inspired me to pursue a degree in music education.

I am committed to change. I often get involved with organizations working towards a more equal and just society. By advocating for myself and others, I feel I am actively contributing to creating a positive atmosphere. Through the years, I have become more aware of the injustices that regard access to music education and have worked on projects to make an impact in areas near me. I hope to help more children grow through music as I did through my music education.

Contact Info:

• Website: westrickmusic.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princetongirlchoir/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrincetonGirlchoir
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/princetonboychoir/ https://www.facebook.com/PrincetonBoychoir

Westrick Music Academy is looking for new singers! If you’d like to find out more and audition, go to:
westrickmusic.org/auditions/

Image Credits
Westrick Music Academy