Sophomore Ta’Neeka DeMyers says music runs in her veins. It’s more than just a passion, it’s what she’s made of. Her instrument lives within – her voice. Growing up in a music-loving family, singing comes second nature to Ta’Neeka, who shared her talents in ensembles through school and her church. A Lansing native, she didn’t think she would find a college with a robust music program so close to home. Then, Ta’Neeka connected with The University of Olivet Gospel Choir Director La’Rae Trice. That’s when a whole world of opportunities opened up.
After visiting The University of Olivet’s campus and learning about Talent Scholarships, Ta’Neeka knew she was meant to be a Comet. A successful audition landed her in the music program with a concentration in vocal performance and a spot in the College Choir. In addition, Ta’Neeka joined the Gospel Choir to gain even more experience and performance opportunities. Now having completed her first year at Olivet, Ta’Neeka has never been more confident that she’s right where she should be.
“While Olivet’s campus may be small, I am so glad I chose to come here because opportunities to get involved, have fun and make memories are always available,” Ta’Neeka said. “There are great professors at OC that make you feel welcome and important. I’ve come to realize that you are not just a number here, you are a student who is noticed by the people around you, and you always will have the help to strive for success!”
For Ta’Neeka, balance is key to singing in both the Gospel Choir and College Choir. She has always enjoyed being a part of more than one type of choir, appreciating the different skills she hones in each. As she learns a new breathing technique or hits a new octave in one, she always translates the skill to the other. Twice as much practice and twice as many performances now will give Ta’Neeka a competitive edge in her future as she pursues further education and a career in musical theater.
For the College Choir, a program striving to grow, Ta’Neeka says the ensemble has some of the most dedicated and passionate performers she has ever known, and loves the unique challenge to prove a small choir can still be a strong choir. Over the remainder of her time at Olivet, she is excited to take part in the College Choir’s growth and establish the foundation for lasting success. “Performing with the Choir allows me to strengthen my falsetto voice and go outside my comfort zone with a different genre of music,” Ta’Neeka explained. “Plus, being in a choir is a chance for you to not only sing, but to touch other people’s lives.”
In the Gospel Choir, Ta’Neeka is also thankful that she can share her relationship with God through performances. “I love gospel singing because it gives me a chance to really relax and have a one-on-one with God when we are singing to Him,” Ta’Neeka said “We have also had many opportunities to travel and spread the love of God to people, which is something that I want to incorporate into my professional career.”
For the rest of her undergraduate journey, Ta’Neeka has a long list of goals she intends to pursue to ensure she makes the most of her college experience. Just to name a few, Ta’Neeka hopes to continue improving as a singer and performer, maintain her GPA, uphold strong morals, take advantage of more community service opportunities, grow her involvement with WOCR (the student-led radio station), stay actively involved with campus organizations and even start a few new ones too. “I’ve just begun to discover all of the programs, classes, clubs, activities, organizations and professors that Olivet has to offer,” Ta’Neeka said. “I am so excited to continue attending college here, but most importantly, I plan to always stay involved and enjoy every remaining second of my college experience!”
There are still Talent Scholarships available for the 2017 fall semester! Learn more about the activities and non-NCAA DIII collegiate sports eligible for scholarships – some award up to full tuition, fees, room and board. For more information about the music program, contact Director of Bands Jeremy Duby at jduby@uolivet.edu or 269.749.7158.