I love musicals, there's no doubt about that. It's almost 2017, and next year I'll be 20 years old. Here are 21 moments, one from each of my 20 years of life as told by 21 moments from different musicals- film and stage.
Age 0: Circle of Life
On April 13, 1997 my parents welcomed their first child into the world- me! A very defining moment in my life. "The Circle of Life" was an obvious choice for this important moment in my life.
Age 1: Put One Foot in Front of the Other
Ok... this might not be from a stage musical, but it definitely explains what it's like to begin walking- a defining moment in every child's life.
Age 2: My Blanket and Me
I was that kid who brought their blanket and doll with them EVERYWHERE.
Age 3: A Whole New World
When I was 3, I visited Disneyland for the first time. My eyes were opened to a whole new world, and since then, I have been a Disney fanatic.
Age 4: Lamest Place in the World
I moved from a suburb of Tacoma to small town Shelton, WA... a place with not a lot to do, especially once the Bowling Alley burned down.
Age 5: Do-Re-Mi
Starting school was a big step! I always loved school and did well. But, Kindergarten was easily one of my favorite years in school.
Age 6: Tomorrow
Even though I am not a fan of Annie now, I definitely went through a phase when I loved the movie and would sing the songs quite often.
Age 7: New Girl in Town
At the beginning of 2nd grade, I moved from a private Christian school to a bilingual, public elementary school. I picked "New Girl in Town" because one of my friends (who happened to be co-valedictorian with me) found a rival in "around the world" in math class.
Age 8: Schroeder
I began piano lessons in 3rd grade (age 8), beginning my love for playing music. Yes, this is a clip from the cartoon Charlie Brown, but this song is wonderful in the Broadway show You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Age 9: Bless Our Show
I joined school choir for the first time! And continued choir of some kind for the next 9 years of my life. It's also when I began to be a part of theatrical shows. I had already done 2 Missoula Children's Theatre songs, and this was when I discovered that I love to perform.
Age 10: Picture Show
At age 10, I was excited to reach double digits, but I also wanted to be older. This whole song is about imagining what you will be like when you grow older, which was definitely me at age 10.
Age 11: Get Back to Hogwarts
Ah yes, 11. The year my Hogwarts letter never arrived. Even though I had already read all of the books, this is when my HP obsession really took hold. It was when the 7th book came out, and yes I went to the midnight release of that book in July.
Age 12: When I Grow Up
At age 12, I went to camp for the first time, which was when I began to dream about being a camp counselor (a dream which came true at age 19). Camp was a life-changing experience with life-long memories and friends. It's when I began to dream about what I would actually be when I grew up.
Age 13: 13!
WOOHOO I'M A TEENAGER! Oh, also, being a teenager sucks.
Age 14: There Is A Fountain/ It Don't Make Sense
My Uncle Kurt passed away in a freak boating accident. It was the first time I had to deal with the death of someone close to me, and it was hard to grasp the idea that I would never see him again or hear his laugh again.
Age 15: Popular
First year of high school can be hard- and every kid notices the cliques. Having your dad as your middle school principal really puts a damper on your social status in the public school system, so high school was a new step in life for me. (Also, if you haven't seen Kristin Chenoweth perform this song, you're missing out.)
Age 16: The Travel Song
My favorite road-trip yet! Washington State to New York City and back- 25 states, 35 days, 8800 miles.
Age 17: No Day But Today
Before the start of my senior year, our community suffered the loss of 4 boys under the age of 18 in 4 months. It was a very difficult start to senior year- especially when one of the boys was a classmate and fellow band member. We had to learn how to stay strong together and move forward with life.
Age 18: We're All in This Together
Graduating, starting college, and adulting- all big life steps and full of unknowns. But, everyone else is in the same boat as you.
Age 19: Taylor the Latte Boy
I discovered my love for coffee (and my roommate really wanted me to include this song because she thinks it's hilarious).
Age 20: Astonishing
"Astonishing" is all about looking towards the future and knowing that it's time to take action on your dreams. I'm hoping that age 20 I will be able to do exactly that. After declaring my major, I've discovered the kind of work that I would absolutely love to do after I graduate. I may have huge plans, but that doesn't mean they can't be obtained if I work hard enough. My favorite line in the song is, "I may be small but I've got giant plans to shine as brightly as the sun." Because it's true. I have giant plans, and I may be one small person, but I hope to make a difference.
