Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: State Choir Singer Maria Maslin

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week, we highlight Marple Newtown High School senior Maria Maslin, who recently reached to the state level of singing: the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) State Choir.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Maria Maslin

Whiz Kid's Age: 17

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Maria was recently named to the PMEA State Choir. After more than a month-long process rehearsing, persistence and hard work in preparation for the audition performance at Immaculata University, Maria was given this musical honor to state choir. Maria will represent the Montgomery, Philadelphia, Chester, Bucks and Delaware counties as only one of six students in the Alto 1 section.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Perhaps she was setting the bar too low. Maria was at first only shooting for districts in October. When she made it into districs, she then auditioned for regionals and made it into the regional competition. The next step was only natural: states. Maria, an alto singer, placed fifth in the auditions for state choir. Out of those who auditioned, only six are chosen for the prestigious choir.

"When I got into state choir, I couldn't walk. People were telling me to move because I wasn't moving," laughs Maria when she found out she made it to state choir. "It makes me feel pretty much on top of the world. I thought I had a good voice but I didn't think it was that special. It feels good to prove to myself that I'm good enough to accomplish this myself."

Maria credits her parents who have helped her throughout the process. "My parents are really proud of me and are always so supportive...they're always behind me 100 percent."

Although a family mystery, Maria confesses she's not sure where her gift of singing came from but knew she was always singing at a young age.

"It's a mystery...we really don't know where it came from," says Maria. "My older sister sings–she's my role model. And we have a younger cousin who is 12 and sings really good. But we don't really know. I know my grandfather had a really good voice."

A passion that came naturally for Maria, she started singing publicly at the age of 6 in her church choir in Clifton Heights.

"It's my passion," she says. "Whenever I'm happy or sad, I start singing. When I'm singing on stage, it just makes me feel safe. It's my safety balnket." 

Maria will be attending Temple University this fall as a media and communications major in hopes to become a music producer someday, but assures she will continue to sing on the side.

"I know I'll always sing," she says. "It's a part of my life."

Editor's note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.