Disciplines (Past/Present): Camp MusArt, Voice, Choir, and Musical Theatre Dance
Lana Versoza, age 14, has been a member of the LAMusArt family for nearly four years now. She started attending the school with her older sister Lauryn, and has since taken a number of classes at LAMusArt including private voice lessons with former Music Director Austin Chanu, and the newest dance offering, Musical Theater Dance.
Lana has also been an avid member of Camp MusArt for three years. She played Sarafina in Camp MusArt’s 2017 production of The Lion King Jr. and the lead, Ti Moune, in Once on This Island Jr. in 2018. Her most recent show was last summer’s Guys and Dolls Jr.
“I really like to perform for people. It makes me so happy and when I see the audience really getting into a performance, it makes it that much more enjoyable for me.”
Lana supplements her performance skills and creative education through the Tuition-Free Choir program which she is currently a member of. The program has enabled her to enhance not only her vocal performance, but her knowledge of music theory as well. The Choir program, which is offered free of tuition payment to students starting at age 7 year-round, focuses on the development of young artists like Lana to help them become not only great performers, but musicians who are able to read music and utilize vocal techniques with confidence.
In Lana’s weekly choir class, she enjoys creating music with all her friends. The common goal and camaraderie shared among her fellow musicians is what makes the program so special.
“It excites me,” Lana states, “…when we sing a harmony really well, it makes me feel proud of my classmates and myself.”
Being able to share ideas through music and explore vocal singing in depth are only a few of the aspects Lana likes to explore as a member of the Choir. Lana likes all the different techniques, time periods, languages, and genres of music that she has had the opportunity to explore with the group. One of Lana’s favorite pieces to learn was an a capella piece called, “In the Evening”.
When we asked Lana if there was a teacher who has influenced her significantly, she was quick to sing the praises of Mr. Chanu.
“Not only has Austin taught me how to better myself as a singer and performer and gaining confidence in myself,” Lana says, “ … Austin is someone I can talk to about anything. I really appreciate how committed to the students Austin is.”
When Lana is not singing, acting, or dancing, you can find her playing volleyball for her high school’s volleyball team. We are excited to have Lana back for her final year of Camp MusArt!