Morris Catholic singer heads ‘Onstage’ before college
This is the 12th in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
MORRISTOWN – A Morris Catholic High School senior will take the Mayo Performing Arts Center stage for a second time this month, the latest step in her lifelong musical journey.
“I had been in the competition before when I was a freshman and a friend told me that auditions were coming around again and that I should try out,” Julia Rangel said. “So I thought ‘why not’ and went for it.”
Rangel, 18, of Morristown, will sing “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.
“My sister told me that (the song) ‘came to her in a vision,’” Rangel said. “And I value her opinion very much, so I figured I would give it a chance and found a real connection to it.”
Rangel was recently accepted into her dream college, the University of Salford, Manchester in England, where she will major in creative music technology.
“To me, music is more than a hobby,” Rangel said. “I've been singing since I could speak. I might even have been singing before.”
Leading up to the show, Rangel has a simple preparation plan in mind.
“Practice, practice, practice and hopefully improve,” she said.
If Rangel wins, she knows exactly what she will do with the $1,000 prize.
“It would act as scholarship money and go straight to college,” Rangel said. “No question about it.”
And if she doesn’t win, Rangel will happily settle for Cluck U gravy fries as a consolation prize; they are her favorite food.
“I don't think that I deserve to win more than anyone else, but I know that I would be extremely grateful,” Rangel said. “No matter what happens, music will always be a part of my life.”
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636;mizzo@GannettNJ.com
Morristown Onstage
What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.
Tickets: On sale now. Prices range from $25 to $75. For information, call MPAC at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.