Joycelyn Brobbey ’22 has a distinct understanding and passion for music. As a singer and performer, Brobbey believes that music is an outlet for artists to truly express themselves, drawing her greatest inspiration from genres like jazz and rock. Like most artists, Brobbey was greatly affected by the pandemic. However, her passion for singing remains as strong as ever, and she continues to devote her time as a member of Around 8, the only gender-inclusive a cappella group at Princeton High School.

Q: If you have any, who is your biggest inspiration? Who do you look up to when you perform or when you practice off stage?

A: To be completely honest, I don’t have someone who I look up to when I am singing. When I am on stage, either performing by myself or with my peers, I draw inspiration from the audience because it makes me happy to see the audience enjoying the performance.

Q: What are your thoughts and what was your experience like as an artist during your four years? How do you think PHS can improve with regards to diversity and representation?

A: I think that PHS can improve its arts programs by reaching out to creative Black students who might feel like they don’t have a voice or space to express their creativity. Even though PHS is trying to increase its diversity and representation in the numerous spaces they provide, advocacy is lacking and many students of color find it difficult to reach out and participate. After taking drama my freshman year, I was deterred from involving myself in other musical theater courses in the school primarily because of the underrepresentation. I was not comfortable in a space that was never marketed towards me.

Q: How do you think your singing or music in general impacts people?

A: I think that music has a very positive impact on people because it allows them to express themselves. It acts as an outlet for many people. Another great thing about music is that whether it is being performed or listened to there are many genres available for people to appreciate.

Q: Are there any specific songs or concerts that you would like to share? Something that you would like to cherish as you graduate PHS?

A: A concert that will stay with me forever was the gospel concert the choir had during my sophomore year before COVID-19 hit. It was the last concert we had in person. The energy throughout the performance is still very nostalgic. It was exhilarating to see that the audience and the performers were equally enjoying the concert.

Q: Have you ever struggled with singing in general? Was there ever a moment where you wanted to quit or thought you would quit?

A: During the peak of the pandemic, when we went virtual for the whole year, I found it difficult to love singing because every singing opportunity was virtual and it became a bore. If it was not virtual, we were masked. Fortunately, I did not let that get in the way of my love for singing. Instead, I invested in a microphone and a speaker so that I could do karaoke in my own home.

Q: What is your favorite song or piece you like to sing? It can be a song you sing in the shower or an actual performance piece.

A: A song I like to sing in the shower is “All I Ask” by Adele.

Q: Why do you think it is important we keep and utilize clubs like Around 8?

A; I think it is important to keep and utilize clubs like Around 8 simply because they are fun to be a part of. It is something non-academic students can enjoy in a school that has such an overly competitive atmosphere

Q: How did you start singing? Was there a particular event or person that inspired your journey as a singer?

A: In elementary school, my teacher got me involved in a lot of creative opportunities, and singing happened to be one of them. Ever since, I’ve been involved in my school choirs and singing groups.