Tamar St. Julien
Hometown: Newton, MA

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
“Funny, creative, energetic, and talented. Fun loving!”

As a performer, what makes you stand out?
“I would say it’s the talent and the passion behind it. I want my audience to feel what I feel when I sing.”

What kinds of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“I mostly enjoy gospel music and some R&B. Of course, Whitney Houston – no other voice compares!”

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
“Probably going on tours with my gospel choir in undergrad and with Rashad Mcpherson and Divine Purpose, which is a group I sing with sometimes.”

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?
“Musically, it would have to be singing the national anthem at Fenway Park.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“Recording and touring!”

Ashley Taylor
Hometown: Ellington, MA

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“I’ve been interested in music for as long as I can remember. My parents have always made music an important part of my life.”

Where have you performed?
“I competed in the NACMAI Competition at the Country Tonight Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. I also sang our national anthem for NASCAR at the Dover International Speedway.”

What kinds of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“I honestly enjoy all genres of music, but I enjoy singing country the most. Some of my favorite performers would be Lady Antebellum because they are very talented songwriters and the dynamic between them is great. I also enjoy Sugarland – the song “Stay” written by Jennifer Nettles is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt songs I’ve ever heard. I also really enjoy Lady Gaga, another great song writer. She is so unique and she isn’t afraid to be who she is – I really admire her.”

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
“Participating in the NACMAI competition and meeting and singing with other musicians from all over the country was really fun. I also went to Nashville, TN my senior year in high school for our music trip and was able to see a lot of great parts of the city, including the Grand Ole Opry. I was able to see backstage and sing on the stage – it was incredible.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?
“My family – they have always been behind everything I do and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams.”

Tamar St. Julien
Hometown: Newton, MA

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
“Funny, creative, energetic, and talented. Fun loving!”

As a performer, what makes you stand out?
“I would say it’s the talent and the passion behind it. I want my audience to feel what I feel when I sing.”

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“I mostly enjoy gospel music and some R&B. Of course, Whitney Houston – no other voice compares!”

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
“Probably going on tours with my gospel choir in undergrad and with Rashad Mcpherson and Divine Purpose, which is a group I sing with sometimes.”

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?
“Musically, it would have to be singing the national anthem at Fenway Park.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“Recording and touring!”

Dale Byrd
Hometown: Hookset, NH

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“My whole family sings. My dad was a big influence and is still my biggest supporter.”

As a performer, what makes you stand out?
“I think I can connect with a song and the audience can feel what the artist was trying to convey through my performance.”

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy best? Do you have any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“I like every style of music, but I’m a big fan of country. My influences include Lionel Richie, Josh Grobin, Michael Buble, Keb’ Mo’, and many more.”

How do you spend your free time? Do you have hobbies?
“I love watching TV, especially Community Auditions. My other hobbies are singing, sports and coaching.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“The same thing I am doing now, just doing it better.”

What do you like best about your hometown?
“Everyone knows each other – it’s a close-knit community.”

Tamar St. Julien
Hometown: Newton, MA

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
“Funny, creative, energetic, and talented. Fun loving!”

As a performer, what makes you stand out? What makes you different?
“I would say it’s the talent and the passion behind it. I want my audience to feel what I feel when I sing.”

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“I mostly enjoy gospel music and some R&B. Of course, Whitney Houston – no other voice compares!”

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
“Probably going on tours with my gospel choir in undergrad and with Rashad Mcpherson and Divine Purpose, which is a group I sing with sometimes.”

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?
“Musically, it would have to be singing the national anthem at Fenway Park.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“Recording and touring!”