During the week of May 15, technology teacher Cameron Martin performed a solo with his singing group, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers, at St. Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury.

According to Martin, Martin’s group is filled with “semi-professional singers” that perform in local towns, and although not a religious choir, also often sing in churches. Their recent performance at St. Mary’s Church cost twenty five dollars a person with about 100 people in the audience.

Admitting that he was indeed very nervous before his solo, Martin also claims that it may be because he is fairly new with this particular choir.

“I was [nervous], I don’t know why because I sing all the time in front of people,” Martin said. “I think it probably was because I was singing with a new group that I have only been with for two months.”

Martin has always been interested in music and was part of a church choir from a young age.

“I was probably five or six [when I got into singing],” Martin said. “My mom pushed me to join the church choir and then I did, loved it, [and] sang for years with the choir. In middle school I was in several musicals and I did vocal lessons in middle and high school.”

Working his way up, Martin became choir director at his church.

“Eventually I ended up taking over as choir director for my church for three years so I was in charge of all the music ministry of the parish,” Martin said. While he does not currently hold this position anymore, Martin still sings at his church and performs with his choir.

A lifelong love of music has enveloped Martin as he continues to utilize his singing talents today which he believes has ultimately shaped him as a person.

“Singing and music have always been a challenge for me,” Martin said. “It’s expanded me as a person. I’ve always found [music] to be really fun and although it’s difficult, I think it’s really good in terms of personal growth.”

Proud of his recent solo, Martin was surprised by the number of laudatory comments he received after his performance.

“I felt like I accomplished something,” Martin said. “I felt like I was able to move people or get them to feel something.”

Martin concluded that he may not become a famous singer, but he will continue to sing and perform for as long as he is able to.

“If I ever could get bigger, I’d like to, but I don’t think that’ll happen,” Martin said. “But I’ll definitely keep going with my music nonetheless.”