Music Academy student accepted to prestigious musical theatre program

Music Academy of Garden City student Daelynn Alissa Jorif was recently accepted to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance, as a musical theatre major beginning in the fall of 2017. This year, over 2000 students applied to this coveted program, of which only 400 were invited for a live audition, and 20 were accepted, putting Daelynn among less than one percent of applicants who were chosen to attend the program. Although she was accepted to ten universities she applied to, Daelynn chose University of Michigan because of its solid training, outstanding reputation, and also because of the school’s strong academics.

Daelynn calls her college audition process a “crazy whirlwind ride,” and says of Michigan, “It has always been my dream school, because it is the number one school for musical theatre in the country.” She adds, “When the Dean of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance, called me to tell me that I was accepted, I could not stop crying! I honestly thought it was a dream.”

During her senior year in high school, Daelynn was selected as a Long Island Scholar Artist for achievement in theatre, and for having an overall unweighted GPA higher than 90. She was also chosen to perform at NAfME All Eastern and All Nationals with the Honors Choir Ensembles, in New Jersey and Texas. Daelynn also founded and was elected President of the Drama Board at Baldwin High School, played the role of Fiona in Schrek the Musical at BHS, Lorraine in All Shook Up, and Dionne in Hair, with various theatre companies. In addition, she was chosen as her high school’s annual student director and directed 13 the Musical in the spring. She did all of this while studying privately at the Music Academy and keeping up with her schoolwork.

Daelynn has studied voice at the Music Academy for four years with Natalie Fabian, and participated in annual recitals, as well as in Rock Bands and Ensembles, where she sang everything from jazz to pop, theatre, and much more. She credits much of her success to Natalie and the Music Academy, saying, “It is so clear to me that I could not have achieved any of my goals this year without the unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement of the Music Academy of Garden City. The skills that everyone, especially my vocal coach Natalie Fabian, provided me with helped me to become a more well rounded and connected performer than I ever thought possible. They helped me feel prepared and assured, while also being great friends and support systems throughout this whole process. They will always be a second family for me, and I am eternally grateful.” Daelynn’s teacher Natalie adds, “Daelynn is an absolute joy to teach. With her focus, positive attitude, stellar musicianship skills, and passion for all-things music, she is a student who truly excels at all she puts her mind to. I look forward to watching Daelynn succeed in all that she chooses to do, and I see nothing but the brightest future for her.”

The entire faculty and staff of the Music Academy are extremely proud of Daelynn and her amazing accomplishments. Dr. Peter Coco, MAGC President, describes Daelynn as “a wonderfully gifted musician and extremely hard worker.” He adds, “It’s only a matter of time before you see her name in lights on Broadway, and we are glad that the Music Academy has played a role in the formative years of her music education.”

For more information about the Music Academy of Garden City, Garden City’s only music school for over a decade, call 516-292-2777 or visit www.musicacademyofgc.com.