Campus Celeb: Ally Perko

Meet one musical freshman who may just be on stage someday. You can say you saw her here first! 

HC UIC: Hi Ally! What’s your year in school and what are you majoring in?
ALLY: I’m a freshman this year and majoring in Classical Vocal Performance.

HC UIC: What are some of your goals for after college?
ALLY: I would really love to be a part of the Chicago Lyric Opera company or any company for that matter. I’d also like to be a professor of voice performance and teach private vocal lessons on the side, if possible.

HC UIC: How did you get into singing?
ALLY: My mom was in musical theatre, and she took voice lessons herself. I always wanted to be like her. I auditioned for the musical Wizard of Oz, and I played a munchkin at just 8 years old. I wanted to continue and get more parts when I was older. I started taking voice lessons from a lady who lived a block away from me when I was 11. Ever since then, I was in choir in junior high and high school. I keep getting opportunities to sing which makes me want to do it even more!

HC UIC: Did you ever get to perform anywhere big or on TV?
ALLY: I sang in Carnegie Hall in New York City for 5 days. We had to audition and send in a tape to be picked. A lot of people auditioned for it, and 300 people from across America and Canada got the opportunity. We stayed 5 blocks away from Time Square, and I even got to see Lion King on Broadway! It was an amazing experience.

HC UIC: What is your favorite song to sing?
ALLY: “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera. I can put a lot of emotion into it, and it’s really pretty. I don’t write my own music, but I would like to start. Its difficult, and I don’t know enough music theory just yet. I’m learning though!

HC UIC: Who would you love to do a duet with if you could pick from anyone?
ALLY: My mom. She used to sing, and she’s the reason I started. She stopped, and I want her to start up again!

HC UIC: What do you like to do in your free time?
ALLY: I’m so busy with school, and I just joined the sorority Phi Sigma Sigma. I also practice singing all the time, study music theory and ear training, and am in band and choir. Free time is very limited for me!