Superintendent’s Spotlight: Julia Mosier

By Superintendent Dr. David Leach,

Warwick Valley Central School District

Julia Mosier, a senior at Warwick Valley High School, was recently named to the All-Eastern Mixed Chorus and will have the opportunity to perform virtually with the best music students throughout the Northeast. 

   Julia is one of just 270 students from Maine to Washington, D.C. named to the All-Eastern Mixed Chorus. It has been five years since a Warwick student has been designated with the honor. All-Eastern Ensembles will meet for a program of rehearsals, masterclasses and sectionals in March and will be submitting video recordings for a virtual collaborative performance to be premiered in April.

   “Julia is an exceptional musician, I have had her since eighth-grade (when Julia was in the middle school drama program),” said music teacher Noreen Hanson. “She is dedicated. She is probably one of the most talented kids I have ever had.”

   Music isn’t her only gig. Last year, Julia and her 4×400 relay teammates won the state indoor track championships and they were named All-Americans with the fifth-best time in the nation. She’s run outdoor track as well and plays volleyball. She is the Class of 2021 treasurer. And, academically, she’s near the top of her class. 

   “She’s smart, funny, she works with her peers, she helps out anybody you ask,” Ms. Hanson said. “She is always there. No matter what you ask her to do, she does it.”

   Julia started singing in elementary school and she was in drama club from third through eighth grade. She’s been in Meistersingers since her sophomore year. She performed NYSSMA solos since middle school. She’s performed at the All-State, Area All-State and All-County levels. Only the best performers at the All-State level are selected for All-Eastern. She also sings solos and in choir and plays the piano at her church, Warwick United Methodist Church. 

  Julia is looking to continue music in college, possibly as a minor, and perform for the rest of her life, but she isn’t looking at it professionally. She said she is not yet set on a career but is interested in combining neuroscience and business in her college studies. 

  “I want to harness what we know about the brain to improve business and social interactions,” she said. “It’s kind of a strange career path but I think it’ll be really cool.”

  Part of a “musical family,” she said her grandmother played a large role in introducing her to music. “I have memories of dancing and cooking in her kitchen and singing all these different songs.  She really introduced me to a lot of classic musicians.”

   She met Ms. Hanson in the eighth-grade production of Seussical, when she played Mayzie La Bird, the female lead. She has also been in Jubilate Choir, which had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall during her freshman year. She is very thankful to have opportunity to participate in the All-Eastern Chorus and she attributes her success to the support she receives. 

   “It was such an honor to get in,” Julia said. “I am really proud, but I really think a big part of it was everyone around me. I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Ms. Hanson, my parents, my family, all the teachers who have helped me, my piano teacher, and my voice teacher, who I went to, to help me with my NYSSMA solos.”

Each week, Warwick Valley Central School District Superintendent Dr. David Leach shines the “Superintendent’s Spotlight” on one of Warwick Valley’s amazing students. “Superintendent’s Spotlight” features students who reach goals, face challenges, and are role models to their peers.