On Oct. 24, sophomore Renee Tse was named Artist of the Week for her dedication to singing, performing and leading as a song captain for Greenhill’s fall musical. 

Tse’s passion for singing and performing started when she was seven, when she was asked by her father’s choir conductor to sing the song “Castle in a Cloud” by Les Misérables.  

“I got a singing teacher after that, and I started to really enjoy singing,” Tse said.  

In March, she attended her first National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in the National Musical Theater Regionals at Collin College. Tse sang three different songs that varied in style and mood.  

After waiting for the results, Tse discovered she was a finalist. To place, she had to choose one of the three songs to perform in front of a set of new judges.  

“I was pretty nervous, but also not really because this was my first NATS singing competition,” Tse said. “I was just thinking to myself, as long as I did my best, that’s all that matters.” 

Tse ended up tied for third place in the competition, marking both a major accomplishment for her as well as catapulting her into the world of music.  

“There’s so much that can be accomplished in music that cannot be accomplished through words,” Tse said.  

Performing Passion 

Tse believes that performing is a huge part of her life. It allows her to enjoy expressing herself while entertaining an audience. 

“I think storytelling is a very big part of a lot of performers’ lives,” Tse said. “I like entertaining my audience and I think it’s really fun.”  

According to Upper School Drama and Theatre Teacher Valerie Hauss-Smith, Tse has had significant improvement in her choreography and dancing skills. She has been seen putting in extra practice and hardworking during rehearsals.  

“The hard work and between learning and performing [choreography], we see her and that’s one thing we really appreciate,” Hauss-Smith said.  

As a performer, Tse said she has been learning to live with stage fright all her life. 

“I see it less as fright and more of excitement because it makes me feel something more positive rather than negative,” Tse said. 

Greenhill Impact 

As a Song Captain for Greenhill’s upcoming fall musical “Descendants,” Tse helps people improve the upcoming song execution alongside Middle and Upper School choir teacher Emmanuel Espiritu.  

“Renee would help by singing it to them and working with them to sing it correctly. If needed, she would go home and record their part for them.” Espiritu wrote in an email.  

According to senior Avery Montoya, another Song Captain, Tse does her best to support and help her castmates while keeping them focused. 

“She’s always encouraging people, asking questions, answering questions, making sure everyone has what they need,” Montoya said. “She’s assertive, just super dedicated and super talented with music in general.” 

Tse hopes to continue her musical journey by minoring in music theory, music history or music performance in college. 

“Through music I feel seen and I feel heard from my emotions and it makes me feel less alone,” Tse said.