Through her shining alto voice, Annapaola Fike ‘26 has made her mark on The Baldwin School’s arts program. Fike has dedicated her three years at Baldwin to the arts through sculpture, ceramics and most notably, through her extraordinary influence on the performing arts program.
Fike’s love of the arts dates back to first grade. Watching the “My Little Pony” movie made her want to sing.
“Something clicked in my brain where I could see how people expressed emotions through music,” Fike said.
The ability of music to express emotions is what first got Fike into songwriting when she was only in second grade. She credits her musical inspiration to the Broadway shows she went to with her grandmother and the 90’s Rock albums she listens to today.
While currently rehearsing for her final Baldwin musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” where Fike plays the role of Judas, Fike reflects on the different roles she has played and what they have taught her.
“Judas has an intense character arc and it’s been a lot of fun, but a big challenge, because it’s much more raw than the [past] two shows,” Fike said.
When asked about her favorite role in her time at Baldwin, Fike claims that Janice, from “Mean Girls,” meant something extra special to her.
“Janice taught me to embrace who I am and be less of a follower and more individualistic,” Fike said.
Fike’s role as B-Flat has had the most significant impact on her, particularly regarding the relationships and connections she found through the arts. She believes that being part of the B-Flats has allowed her to become closer with many people and form lasting friendships.
“In the B-Flats, I can connect with people and work together to make one sound, which is the most beautiful part of music,” she said.
Cleo Hill ‘27, a fellow B-Flat, commented on the influential impact Fike has had on the B-flats.
“She brings energy, hype-ness, and focus to the group. She helps me become a better person because she is someone who truly knows herself,” Hill said.
As for Fike’s musical talent, Hill describes how Fike’s passion is performing and acting, and how she is truly talented in both of those disciplines. Hill values Fike’s work ethic and devotion when it comes to the things that she cares about.
“She’s the best person ever. [She is ] so delicate, hardworking and thinks so much about other people,” Hill said.
A big part of Fike’s love for music has come from the relationships she has made. For this reason, Fike hopes to continue to devote her time to music in the future, wanting to join an acapella group in college as well as possibly pursuing music education.
B-Flats and chorus director Ms. Lee Hagon applauds Fike’s ability to perform, and is sure it will carry forward into her future.
“Being on the stage is [Fike’s] natural environment and she will find a way to perform again,” Ms. Lee Hagon said.
Fike’s advice to those unsure about their talent is to still try and pursue the arts, because it brings you a community that is worth the risk.
“[The arts] helped me figure out who I was, and I want other students to have the opportunity to do the same thing.”
