From chorus concerts to Coffeehouse performances, sophomore Mia Boemio has become a well-known voice on the Hilltop.

Singing has always been an important aspect of Mia’s life. “I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” Mia said. She first started formal lessons when she was 5 years old at Hackley with Mrs. Sato.

In fact, Mia considers her first performance to be one of the most important moments in her singing career. “I would say the most important memory of my singing was my first real concert in the Lindsay Room at Hackley,” Mia said. Her teacher, Mrs. Sato, has annual concerts with all her students. Mia sang “Reflection” from Mulan.

“I was so nervous and by the end of the song my vision was going black, but seeing the room so happy at what I had sang made me realize that I wanted to make people happy in every way possible. One of those ways is singing,” Mia said.

Mia’s passion for music has grown ever since. “I’m passionate about singing because it makes me happy. Music, even sad music, talks to me on another level and almost puts me in a different mental state. My mind slows down and takes a breath. I find it a great way to reset after a difficult day,” Mia said.

As her love for music grew, her nerves settled down. “When I was younger I had a fear a failure which I overcame through telling myself that whatever happens, happens and it’s all meant to be,” she said.

Mia appreciates a wide range of music and does not confine herself to one genre. “I like to sing anything, really. All the way from classical opera to today’s pop music.” Mia’s favorite songs that she has performed include: “Million Years Ago” by Adele, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by the Beatles, “Hold the Line” by Toto, and “You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson. Her inspiration is Lea Salonga as she admires the technique she uses to sing.  Aside from singing, Mia has been learning guitar for a year-and-a-half.

As a freshman last year, Mia was new to Coffeehouse. “Coffeehouse was an amazing experience for me. Even as a freshman everyone was super inviting and friendly. I think this comes from the love for music shared by the performers and the audience at the Coffeehouses,” Mia said. Mia reflected on her first experiences at Coffeehouse: “Of course there were some nerves, but because of the amazing environment it was pretty easy for me to overcome them and just enjoy the music. This year’s Coffeehouse, I think, is going to be amazing and I’m so excited to see the new talented freshmen.”

This past summer, Mia attended one of Hackley’s summer programs, the Rock Band Workshop.

Mia performs every year at the John Jay Homestead along with fellow sophomores Ben Monroe, Zaya Gooding, and Richie Nuzum. “It’s so much fun to see people enjoying the music, dancing, and having an amazing time,” she said.