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Light Rain Valley Stream singers share their talent
This year’s “Reach for the Stars” at the Eisenhower Park in East Meadow had two talented Valley Stream participants in its showcase on July 31. Ambitious singers Amanda Einemann, 16, of South High School, sang “Because the Night” by Patti Smith, and Michael Haggerty, 13, who attends South as well, sang “Why God, Why” from the Broadway Musical Miss Saigon.
They were among 25 teenage performers from Long Island. Though they weren’t contestant winners, these shining stars were winners in taking from an unforgettable lifetime experience.
Ever since she was younger, Einemann remembered singing with her mother every morning. She took singing lessons until the age of 8 and sang for Charities when she was 9.
Einemann has participated in the New York State School Music Association and the All-County music festival since fifth grade. She also took part in All-State where she received a perfect score. “I would sing anything that someone gave me to sing” she said. “I enjoy singing anything as long as I am singing it.”
Getting the chance to meet new people and compete against other solo singers of her age was something she enjoyed about the “Reach for the Stars” contest. “I get to sing in front of people; it gives me an experience,” she said. Einemann was part of the contest last year and plans on being a part of it next year as well.
Haggerty recalled singing ever since he was a baby. He takes lessons with the School of Singing in Valley Stream and is part of its performance group. He scored 27 out of 28 in his NYSSMA solo. He has performed at Envision Valley Stream’s Art in the Park event, the Holy Name of Mary Church block party and at Valley Stream’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Firemen’s Field. Broadway musicals are his all-time favorite to sing along with.
News spread about a contest around his town and Haggerty said his mother made him audition for “Reach for the Stars.”
“It was fun and it was a good experience to meet new people,” Haggerty said, adding that he plans on auditioning again next year.
