Newsmaker: Stella Maris

Newsmaker: Stella Maris

This week's Newsmaker is local Stella Maris, who is one of 18 New Zealanders selected to perform at the World Championship Of Performing Arts in Hollywood.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm 18 years old, studying contemporary music performance full time at Waiariki. I have a huge passion for music and performing. I love songwriting as a medium for creativity as my best talent in visual arts would probably be finger painting.

How does it feel to have been selected to attend the World Championship Of Performing Arts in July?

I think I screamed when I found out. It's a huge honour to be able to perform and compete on a global level. I feel so blessed. I'm so excited and can't wait to travel overseas for the first time.

What will you be doing during your time in Hollywood?

We have a bootcamp before the competition with top industry professionals, which is so valuable. Apart from the competition we have a few team activities with the Australian team planned, including going to the Walk of Fame.

What sparked your interest in music?

I can't pinpoint an exact moment where I remember that spark for the first time, as I've always loved doing song and dance at assembly when I was attending Owhata Primary.

It's always been what I love. But when I took up drumming at Mokoia Intermediate, music became a real focus for me and then songwriting came a little while later.

Who inspires you musically?

This year I have made huge effort to expand my listening catalogue. So instead of just listening to music I love, I also listen to music that is going to educate me in different ways, such as orchestral pieces and different genres from my favourite pop/rock.

At the moment I find I am learning so much from listening to the Beatles, their compositions are fantastic.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is being a full time international performer/singer-songwriter being able to share my music with the world. I'd also like to in some way help the less fortunate all over the world.

Apart from singing and studying, what are some other things you are interested in?

If you take music out of the equation, studying, writing and performing, there isn't an abundance of time left.

I try to catch every Vodafone Warriors game, well any NRL I can really. I also do charity performances and any exercise I can. Last year I was a performer for Kataore at Te Matatini, but had to give it a pass this year due to my extra busy schedule.

Tell us three things about yourself most people wouldn't know?

Hmmm, well you've just found out that I'm a huge rugby league fan, great game. That's one.

When I played volleyball at high school I was sent off by the referee about every second game in tournaments.

Thirdly, I won the top female in science and mathematics award in my last year of high school.