A look back at our music students' concert on May 20, 2025
The Secret Behind an Ovation: When 12-Year-Old Lisa Sets the Tacos Bar Ablaze
The Tacos Bar—normally alive with the clink of glasses and a low hum of conversation—turned into a genuine musical cocoon on May 20, 2025. Beneath exposed brick and glowing red spotlights, roughly a hundred spectators discovered seven ensembles from the Apolline School of Arts, each backed by its teachers. In the middle of this whirlwind of enthusiasm, one young singer captured my full attention: Lisa, 12 years old.
Backstage of a First Challenge
A few minutes before stepping onstage, I chat with Lisa and her mother, Cyntia, who’s here to cheer on her daughter. Curious about the young performer’s mindset, I ask:
“How are you feeling?”
“Good. Last time I had a friend with me and it was easier—I thought less about going onstage because she helped distract me. Today is different; I don’t have a friend for support, so I’m a little more nervous, but my mom’s here! I’m excited to get up there!”
This show Lisa chose two songs herself: “Je pense à vous” by Linh and “Is It Love?” by Laureen. The latter is her first venture into English—a challenge she tackled “by ear” with her teacher Sandrina, repeating every line until each vowel sounded right. After months of hard work that pushed her technical skills to a new level, Lisa finds herself alone tonight—her duet partner, buried in exams, opted out. No problem: brave and determined, the young singer decided to carry both of her favorite songs solo.
Rock-Solid Family Support
Seated in the front row, Cyntia can’t hide her pride or her emotion. “We sing a lot at home,” she tells me, eyes shining. But Lisa is the most passionate; her family says she already has “hundreds of songs” in her head. Tonight, the mother-daughter duo shines: one through reassuring presence, the other through calm boldness.
First Set: Taming the Nerves
Second performer of the night, Lisa steps forward. Mic in hand, she begins “Je pense à vous” with a slight tremor that fades after the first chorus. Surprised by the purity and sweetness of her youthful voice, the room falls silent—one of those moments of grace only student concerts deliver.
Mid-Show: The Stage as a Playground
While Lisa breaks, other students and workshops cycle on. Teachers, perched near the stage, swap cables, tune guitars, whisper encouragement, guide the kids. I realize how this support—a group camaraderie where each personal success fuels the next—is powered by the teachers’ attention, backing, and kindness.
Above: Charlotte, Olivier and Gabriel's workshop, accompanied by their teacher Sébastien on drums for this piece.
Second Set: The Breakthrough
Fifteen minutes later Lisa returns under slightly warmer lights. This time she goes for it: her rendition of “Is It Love?” becomes a true pop act. She flashes a smile, steps toward the edge of the stage, and when she reaches the highest notes—powerful, perfectly controlled—goosebumps race up my arms. Her pitch never falters. At the last chord, hearty applause and raised phones capture the moment.
Backstage, the young singer catches her breath:
«I’m happy with what I did… I felt comfortable onstage, and I want to do it again! »
The Teacher’s Perspective
Sandrina, accompanying her on piano, calls it “the same caliber she shows in class.” Stellar stage-fright management—and lightning progress, especially in the high register—now lets Lisa project accuracy and power that stir deep emotion. What’s next? Her mom hopes she’ll loosen up even more to fully reveal her vocal personality. I’m struck that reaching this level at twelve is already a feat. Sandrina encourages her to explore other styles to broaden her repertoire and, maybe soon, join a band. The idea makes Lisa’s eyes sparkle: she dreams of someday covering her idols—from Ariana Grande to Dadju—surrounded by musicians.
An Invitation to Grow
At the top of the evening, I love welcoming families. I often remind them of the school’s mission: to provide a space where you can learn, make mistakes, take risks, and ultimately flourish. The night’s performances—Lisa’s as well as her classmates’—offered the finest proof.
Onward to Apolline Fest
Next stop for Lisa and her friends: Apolline Fest on June 15. Big stage, outdoor sets, live workshops… the perfect chance for the young singer to confirm her wish to join a band and maybe—who knows—sing a duet or trio with a guitarist or drummer her own age.
Between Us
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Spectators, parents, the curious: keep an eye on Apolline’s socials to follow the Apolline Fest prep.
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Young artists: spots open every fall in the contemporary-music workshops. Come try it—the first session is free..
Because a simple bar can become a stage for revelations, because a microphone can turn nerves into sparks, the Apolline School of Arts keeps proving you’re never too young—or too shy—to let your music speak.