By Max Calhoun
Sitting on her couch with her ukelele in hand and her dad teaching her to play “Let It Be” by the Beatles opened the gates to endless possibilities.
Senior Sofia Vaughn grew up around music and found a passion for singing. When she joined the Delta High School choir it skyrocketed from there.
Vaughn’s talent in singing stems not only from her dedication, but from her relentless desire to cover every detail — in her own words, being “petty.”
Vaughn has made the Indiana Music Education Association’s All State High School Honor Choir all four years of high school. This is one of the most prestigious accolades a choir student can accomplish in high school.
Honor Choir is the top 250 singers in Indiana. Singers from all over the state come together to perform together under conductor Dr. Allen Hightower, director of choral studies at the University of North Texas.
“Each time I have gone he has been absolutely outstanding,” Vaughn said. “He has lots of awards and in practice he’s amazing.”
The first year Vaughn applied for it she didn’t expect much from the rigorous audition process.
“When I had gotten the message that I had fully made it in, I just cried out of sheer happiness,” Vaughn said.
She also takes pride in being an effective leader in choir class. She likes to lead her section with her “naturally loud voice” and takes initiative and leads groups and warmups when choir teacher Ms. Elana Camp isn’t present.
She also takes part in many school clubs and groups including FCA, Delta Troupers, National Honor Society and Spanish Club, where she is vice president. Vaughn likes to say she is “kind of like the Renaissance in a person.”
Recently she joined with a select number of other DHS choir students and participated in the Indiana State School Music Association District Solo and Ensemble event.
Like several of her classmates, Vaughn earned a gold rating. They will participate in the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble event later this month.
She also follows in her dad’s footsteps and plays gigs around town. Recently she has played at the “Be Here Now,” a local club near Ball State University’s campus. Vaughn plays about anywhere if someone needs an opener or spot to fill.
It’s different every time she goes out to play so she has to ensure the vibes are set for the night.
“Getting feedback from the crowd can make sure that you and the audience have a good night,” Vaughn said.
Her earliest memories of music came from listening to her dad, Ryan Vaughn, trying to replicate his top moments from his favorite live bands. Then Sofia decided to pick up on music herself when her dad got her a ukulele when she was around six years old, leading to her learning her first song, “Let It Be” by the Beatles.
From then on her father has given her tips on “crowd work” (talking to the audience between songs.) and has helped his daughter share her love of music with others.
She plans to enroll at Ball State in one of their honor choirs. She got her first taste of a collegiate concert choir at one of her honor choir events.
During her time in college, she wants to continue playing guitar and singing at local gigs around Muncie.
Throughout all this she’s had a day one fan to support and help her follow her dreams of becoming a successful singer, giving her pointers and tips while making his own music.
Ryan and Sofia both share their passion for music differently.
“I think we both make it work,” Vaughn said.
