By Abby Whelan’14, Staff Writer

“It started with a whisper.”  Known as the girl who sang “Everybody Talks” last year as a soloist for Diminuendo, Esther Neibart ’14 is a senior singing phenomenon- singing her way into this month’s artist spotlight! Esther, a current senior, arrived at Newark Academy as a sophomore. But she isn’t only involved in the arts on campus as she plays on the girls soccer team and competes as the captain of the swim team. Academically, Esther is the first student at Newark Academy to take the IB Music course, leading the way for future music students. Esther burst onto the singing scene at Newark Academy as soon as she arrived, participating in both chorus and Academy Voices. In addition to these groups, she is also one of the student leaders of Diminuendo, the student-run a cappella group for Newark Academy. She has performed impressive solos and beautiful group pieces at school events, such as the song “Royals” by Lorde, which she performed with students Erin Mooney ‘16 and Erin Viola ’16 at this past year’s Pep Rally.

Esther began her vocal career at the early age of 6 years old. However, Esther commented that she began to truly study voice seriously when she started taking private lessons in the 8^th grade.  Esther’s family has always been actively involved in singing and the arts: she explained that her older sister, Sarah, used to dance and act, her little brother, Elias Neibart ’16, used to act, and her little sister, Gabriella, currently sings as well. When asked about what inspired her to begin her singing career, Esther stated, “ I don’t really remember exactly what it was. I just remember joining the choir when I was in elementary school. I think singing with them was what inspired me to pursue singing outside of school because I just enjoyed singing so much from my experience in the choir. So, I started doing musical theater and became involved in small productions outside and inside of my school.”

Esther’s musical inspiration also comes from those who have taught her along the way. She spoke very highly of all of her mentors in the past years: “Honestly, if I have to say who some of my mentors are in singing, I would say that they are Mr. Lal and my voice teacher Martin Hurt. Both of them have truly developed me into the musician and singer I am today. I don’t think I would be where I am today without their help and support.” Currently, Esther’s favorite type of music to listen to is country, admitting that it is “actually the only music I listen to!” She and her brother love to listen to country music in the car, highlighting artists such as Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Rodney Atkins, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Luke Bryan as their favorites.

Esther continues to be an active participant in all musical performances at Newark Academy. Esther cites her first solo in the spring of sophomore year at the musical cabaret as her most memorable career moment. She explained, “I remember feeling really good about the performance afterwards. I felt I did well and I was happy with it.” Esther has not only performed for the Newark Academy community, but she has also acquired some notable roles outside of NA as well. Esther stated that her most favorite performance outside of Newark Academy was playing the role of Diana Morales in “A Chorus Line”.  She said, “that was one of the main parts and I was one of the youngest ones trying out at the time and usually young kids don’t get a main role, so I was very honored to have been able to play the part!”

After discussing all of her performances and inspirations from the past, the obvious question was if she would be continuing her singing in the future as she looks forward to college next fall. Esther explained that she is applying to schools as a vocal performance major, and cannot wait to see where her singing brings her! We hope all the best for this senior vocalist, who has been- and continues to be- a performer that “Everybody Talks” about.