La Jolla High Student to Sing National Anthem at Padres Closing Day

Name: Vaill D'Angelo

Age: 15

School: 

Accomplishment: Will sing at the Padres' final game of the 2011 season on Sept. 28.

Key to Awesomeness: Vaill D’Angelo’s grandfather, Joe D’Angelo, always knew that his granddaughter had a beautiful singing voice. Throughout her life he encouraged her to take voice lessons, perform publicly, and learn various instruments. In fact, it was the elder D’Angelo who supported her when she decided to audition to sing the national anthem at PETCO Park.

The officials at the park agreed that D’Angelo has talent, and selected her to showcase her singing ability from the field at the Padres' closing day on Sept. 28.

“I auditioned with them and didn’t hear anything for a few weeks so I thought that I didn’t really get it, but then they called,” she said. “It was super cool because I didn’t even try out for closing day but they called me with that surprise.”

Although the crowd at PETCO Park will be the largest that D’Angelo has ever performed in front of, the high school sophomore is no stranger to belting out a tune. She is a member of the La Jolla High School choir, the Madrigals, and spent the summer singing with a church band.

In the past few months, D’Angelo has also been spending time in a recording studio, recording and writing her own music, as well as mastering her guitar and piano skills.  

Singing the national anthem in front of thousands of fans is enough to make even the most well-practiced musicians a little nervous, but D’Angelo says her love of being on stage overshadows any fear or nervousness.

“I used to get really bad nerves, but after I decided to take up voice lessons three years ago that really built up my confidence,” D’Angelo said. “I still get nervous before, but once I’m on stage they kind of go away. I love when people hear me sing.”

While much of her inspiration comes from her grandfather, whom she describes as “an amazing guitar player and singer,” she has several other musical idols, including her favorite singer, Brandi Carlile. D’Angelo hopes to pursue musical composition and performing in college, and is particularly interested in the music composition program at UCLA.

When D’Angelo isn’t working on her musical talent, she enjoys spending time with friends and pole vaulting for the La Jolla High track team. Rather than let the pressure of her performance psych her out before game day, D’Angelo is using it as motivation.

“I’m so excited to have the pressure of doing something so big, it gives me something to work toward,” she said. “I also love that all of my family and friends can see me perform at a fun event.”