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Photo courtesy of Westwood Public Schools. Rising Westwood High School Senior William Daniel Russell describes his singing style as a golden era, songbook voice, and holds a pose reminiscent of Fred Astaire.
By Darcie Fisher for Westwood Public Schools
Not many high school students would tell you they prefer listening to Frank Sinatra over today’s hit makers, but rising senior William Daniel Russell took a liking to the classics as a youngster.
“I spent my entire childhood singing,” said Russell. “My parents raised me on old musicals and musicians, but I didn’t realize I was good at singing until I was in the fifth grade at the Sheehan [Elementary School]. “I played Willy Wonka in the school play and started taking voice lessons after that.”
Russell was one of only 40 high school vocalists from across the country, and just one of two from Massachusetts, selected to participate in the prestigious Songbook Academy this summer. The weeklong intensive program located in Carmel, Indiana focuses on immersing young performers in the “Great American Songbook.” While there, Russell and his peers were mentored by Grammy Award winning artists, Broadway performers and other professional vocalists. The week culminated in several group and solo performances.
Photo courtesy of Westwood Public Schools. Westwood High School Senior William Daniel Russell discovered his singing talent after performing the lead role of Willy Wonka in Sheehan School's fifth grade play. Around six years later, he is paving his way to a musical career.For hyperlocal news in your inbox, subscribe to Westwood Minute!
This was the second year in a row Russell auditioned and made the cut. “My dream is Broadway,” said Russell. “Going to the Songbook Academy gave me the idea and made me realize I could make a career out of this.”
Marie-Christine Russell said her son was certain he wanted to be a musical performer after the fifth-grade musical. Participating in the Songbook Academy was a natural next step for this young artist. “The Songbook Academy summer intensive has been such an invaluable experience for William these past two summers,” she said. “Getting to work one-on-one with and learn from world-class artists is an incredible gift, and these people have been mentors in the truest sense of the word.”
Russell says he intends to study performing arts in college and has a list of approximately 20 theater programs he is interested in applying to and auditioning for. Realizing that most Broadway performers are considered “triple threats” – meaning they can sing, dance, and act – has inspired Russell to return to dance classes. He studied Russian Ballet as a young boy and has been dancing about 15 hours a week for the last two years. In addition, he’s performing in every play and musical at Westwood High.
“I’m one of only two seniors who can say they went eight for eight,” said Russell. “I’ve done all three plays and all three musicals through my junior year.” Last spring, he played Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, a role he said fit perfectly with his vocal capabilities. “Anything Goes sits the most in my comfort area and where my voice sits. I have a golden age, songbook era style voice,” he said.
“All of us here at Westwood High congratulate William for his selection to the Songbook Academy again this summer,” said WHS Principal Amy Davenport. “It has been a pleasure watching him grow as a performer over the last few years. We commend his dedication to his craft and talent and look forward to seeing where that talent takes him after graduation.”
This fall, WHS will present Much Ado About Nothing and Russell is gearing up to audition for the role that fits him best. He is anxiously anticipating the spring musical and what will be his final chance to take the stage as a high school performer.
Thanks to Darcie Fisher and Westwood Public Schools for contributing this article to Westwood Minute.
