Ariana Sidman (Form VI) performed on September 25 at Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night contest, where legendary artists like Billie Holiday, Michael Jackson, H.E.R. and Machine Gun Kelly have also performed.
After auditions, and being selected to perform, Sidman had only two weeks to prepare to play in front of what would be her biggest audience yet!
The Apollo Theater is a historic landmark in Harlem, New York, that opened in 1914 and has played a significant role in the emergence of swing, jazz, R&B, blues, gospel and soul—all quintessential American music genres. The original owners banned women and black artists from performing in the theater until 1934 when leadership was changed. That same year, Amateur Night was born; three performers under eighteen and eight adults competed in a competition, and whoever won advanced to the next round.
Sidman’s journey to the Apollo began on August 28 when she attended Amateur Night to support her friend, Robert Levy. While watching the performance, Sidman thought, “How cool it would be to play on that stage?” The next day, she submitted an audition. On September 12, she was confirmed to perform on September 26 – just in time, as she wanted to participate before her October 12 birthday – leaving her just two weeks to prepare for her debut in the youth category.
After careful deliberation, Sidman finally decided to play the piano and sing “Summer Highland Falls” by Billy Joel. While practicing, she admitted that playing solo felt weird since she was used to playing in various bands.
When the day finally arrived, her piano teacher and his husband, her parents, her advisor, Leslie Spalding and his girlfriend were all in the audience to cheer her on. As Sidman sat in the green room in anticipation, watching the show from a TV, she said, “It was one of the most nerve-racking moments of my entire life waiting for my name to be called.” Her phone buzzed, and there was a text from her mom that said her cousins from Tennessee had flown in to surprise her. Sidman said having people who loved her there to support her helped calm herself down.
Finally, the moment arrived. Sidman heard her name called, and she stepped onto the stage, her eyes blinded by the bright lights. Following tradition, she touched the lucky tree stump, as everyone who has performed has done. Sidman got lost in the moment. “It’s like time doesn’t exist when I am playing the piano,” she said.
Although Sidman didn’t win, she still appreciated the opportunity, “I didn’t come here to win. I came here to have a good time.”
Sidman is currently involved in jazz improv at Fieldston and multiple bands. She looks forward to forming bands on college campuses next year. With a bright future ahead, she is ready to carve her path in the world of music, proving that sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Source: Ariana Sidman
