Arts Student of the Week: Olivia DeRose

During her freshman and sophomore years, Niwot High School senior Olivia DeRose was a member of the Chamber Singers Choir, and she was a member of the Evenstar Choir her sophomore and senior years. She is a part of the theater program at NHS and she has been in every musical since her freshman year, including "Footloose" this year.

According to Laura Walters, the NHS Choir Director, DeRose has been a strong member of Niwot choirs for four years. "She has been in Chamber Singers and Evenstar, has participated in our district honor choir for four years, and made it into All State Choir both junior and senior year," Walters said.

All State Choir brings together a group of choir students across the state to stay in Denver for two days, working with nationally recognized choral directors, and then perform at the Buell Theatre.

DeRose said that the most memorable moment she has had during a performance was when she first got to perform at the Buell Theatre. "Walking on to that large of a stage for the first time was a surreal experience that I will never forget," she said.

DeRose joined choir in middle school just to get an arts credit, but ended up loving being a part of the music department. She knew it was something she wanted to continue in high school. "For me, music is another way to communicate with people or an audience," DeRose said.

Growing up, DeRose was always a huge Beatles fan, but now some of her favorite musicians include Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, and Noah Kahan.

"She is an excellent musician and an excellent leader," Walters said. "She is one of the group leaders for our annual Cupidgrams coming up in February. She is always on top of her part, is an excellent reader, and has a gorgeous voice."

Cupidgrams are a Niwot High School Choir Valentine's Day tradition. "The students basically go from class to class and sing love songs to people," DeRose explained. "Being a Cupidgrams leader means I help teach the music, make choreography, and manage rehearsals for the Cupidgrams. This is my third year being a Cupidgrams leader, and I love it."

DeRose has loved her experience at NHS. "This school has so many opportunities for people to get involved in so many ways," she said. "They also encourage you to try new things. I'm grateful for the last four years that I have spent here."

When she is not involved in music or theater, DeRose loves hiking, thrifting, and spending time with friends. After high school, she plans to major in nursing at a university, eventually pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing Practice to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. "I'm still unsure where I am going to school," she confessed. "But I am excited for the opportunities after high school."