Artist of the Week: Anya Campbell

If you were at Warwick Valley Middle School for the Drama Club’s production of “The Little Mermaid,” then you already know who Anya Campbell is. The eighth grader performed the lead role of Ariel in the musical. Her hard work and preparation for the role have earned her universally glowing reviews, but Campbell doesn’t look at her hours of dedicated practice as “hard work,” per se. More so, she relished the opportunities to collaborate with her peers in the arts.

“It’s been super-fun playing Ariel, especially because I get to have so many more rehearsals,” Campbell said. “It just means I get to hang out with all my other music friends, who tend to be in drama club too.”

Campbell’s love of music and ensemble performing comes from growing up surrounded by performing musicians. She shared that her family has been her primary source of inspiration. Her mom is an experienced gigging jazz artist, and both her mom and stepdad have plenty of stage experience. Her brother, Jonah (Class of `23), is currently studying music production at SUNY Purchase.

“My parents have both always influenced me to do musical stuff. I remember, when I was a kid, I loved making up my own songs. I may not be the best songwriter, but I really enjoy singing,” Campbell said with a laugh. “I’m also in the honors chorus, which is really fun because it’s that same group of music friends. We kind of just follow each other around to the same clubs and extracurriculars!”

Campbell’s family moved to Warwick Valley from Greenwood Lake just before her third-grade year, and they encouraged her to join the Park Avenue Drama Club straight away. During her two years at Park Avenue, Campbell landed roles in both “The Jungle Book” and “Aladdin.” Between her third and fourth grade years, she also chose to take up a musical instrument.

“I guess it’s just been ingrained in me, it’s in my blood to do music,” said Campbell, “and in fourth grade I just knew I wanted to play upright bass.”

Campbell’s commitment to musical excellence is evident in the practice regimen she maintains. Besides in-school practices, she takes private bass lessons with Timothy Leonard (Class of `22), son of WVHS music teacher Elissa Maynard. She also studies with a private vocal coach, which helped her prepare for “The Little Mermaid.” Campbell is typically an alto, and knew it would be a challenge to take on a role featuring songs that reside in a decidedly soprano stratosphere.

“Working with my voice teacher outside of school, I’ve just really liked testing my range,” said Campbell. “Trying to expand my vocal ability and sing these higher octave songs — higher than I normally would — it’s just been really fun.”

All the hard work that Campbell put into bringing Ariel to the stage came during a particularly busy period in her middle school music career. Campbell is also an active member of the WVMS Honors Chorus, the WVMS Orchestra, and rocks the electric bass in the WVMS Guitar Club.

On top of that, Campbell also prepared for, auditioned for, and was selected to the 2024 Orange County Music Educators Association Junior High All-County Ensemble, a program she has been a part of every year since sixth grade.

But wait, there’s more! Campbell is also preparing her solo, scales and sight reading skills for the upcoming New York State School Music Association’s spring auditions.

Campbell’s love of both performance and practice has put her atop a rising tide of musical success that’s carried her from Park Avenue through WVMS. Her turn to “explore that shore up above” at the high school is coming up quickly enough, and we can’t wait to see what this talented performer has in store. Of course, we know that she’ll love being a part of that world.