Junior singer reaches higher notes

Junior Camille Bismonte, then a timid 11-year old, stepped onto the brightly lit McAfee Center stage to sing her first Redwood choir piece “Jubilate Deo” alongside her awkward middle school peers. Her body shook, her muscles twitched, her face dripped with sweat as she opened her mouth and barely managed to get the notes out.

Five years later, in May, as a bold 16-year-old, she stepped calmly into the spotlight in Saratoga Library's Coffeehouse, this time to deliver her solo “Chasing Pavements” by Adele. As she belted out each note, octave and melody, she felt comfortable, letting the music guide her.

“When I get on stage, I think to myself, ‘You have to do what you’ve got to do,’” said Bismonte, a member of the school’s Chamber Choir, the most prestigious audition-only choir on campus.

Through singing, she has broken out of her shy comfort zone.

Bismonte was introduced to singing by participating in musicals at Argonaut Elementary School. Her favorites were “Seussical Jr.,” in which she played Mrs. Mayor, and “Alice in Wonderland,” in which she played the caterpillar.

Later, Bismonte continued to develop her passion for music by joining Redwood Middle School’s Honor Choir. And in high school, with the encouragement of former choir teacher Jim Yowell, Bismonte started singing solos in Cantare Choir, the all-female choir that freshman girls automatically enter when joining the choral program.

Yowell played an influential role in Bismonte’s music career. With his help, Bismonte focused on music theory to improve her technical skills. He motivated her to audition for the Coastal Regional Honor Choir and invited her to sing with the Philharmonic Orchestra.

“Mr. Yowell encouraged me to [be] more proactive and [build] my confidence, one step at a time,” Bismonte said. “Overall, he has just been a great guy.”

To overcome pre-performance jitters, according to Bismonte, singers need practice and encouragement from friends and other students.

With Yowell’s advice, Bismonte sang “Skyfall” her freshman year with the jazz band, feeling so dreadfully nervous that she nearly tore her hair out. In the video recording that was later produced, she recalls her hair being an “absolute mess-not very professional.”

Luckily, the students in jazz band helped Bismonte overcome her fears by “adopting [her]” and giving her flowers.

“I was so touched that I thought I was going to cry,” she said.

Andrew Ford, who became the choir director following Yowell’s retirement last year, has also influenced Bismonte. Ford emphasizes sight singing, or looking at sheet music and singing without preparation. Bismonte said she finds this technique challenging since it requires reading notes and chords on the spot.

Bismonte enjoys practicing singing, but admits that at times it can be tedious.

“I usually record myself a bunch of times and think ‘that doesn’t sound right’ and improve from there,” Bismonte said.

Despite her growth as a singer, Bismonte admits that her legs still tremble, she still feels nauseous and that singing in front of judges is a nerve wracking experience.

Nostalgic of her rendition of Adele, Bismonte placed third singing “Rolling in the Deep” in this year’s Saratoga’s Got Talent competition on Aug. 15.

“As soon as I stepped on the stage, I automatically lost two-thirds of [my] original confidence,” she said.

On stage, Bismonte immerses herself in the meaning of the song, embodying the emotions through her movements and facial expressions. Revealing a charismatic side of her personality, she engages the audience with every note.

“When I go on stage, it’s as if I flick a switch inside of me,” she said.

In the future, she intends to double major in music and another field.

“Singing is a great de-stresser from the academic environment here in Saratoga and has gradually changed from just a hobby to a passion,” Bismonte said.