Izzy
Izzy is Finding Her Voice Both On and Off Stage
By Shelly Fisher
In between practices and performances with her alternative rock band, Izzy took some time to talk about her passion for music, her love of science, and the recent diagnosis that surprised her family and friends. This junior is definitely finding her voice both on and off stage, and she has big plans to use her gifts to advocate for other teens.
A first-time participant at The Beats Program in Nashville, TN, this young vocalist enjoyed collaborating with other artists and was most excited about singing a duet for one of the performances. In addition to singing, Izzy also writes songs, plays piano, guitar and the ukulele, and since last June, has been the lead singer for Total Luminosity, an alternative rock band that was formed due to her participation in The Bach to Rock program at Virginia Beach. Managed by the owner of the program, her band has already played at notable venues such as the Bunker Brew Pub, so The Beats Program was the perfect event for Izzy in many ways!
When our conversation turned to her school year, it was no surprise that the 16-year-old had earned spots in two advanced choirs – the Madrigals Choir and the Salem Select Choir, and had the opportunity to sing acapella on several occasions. Izzy seemed equally excited to talk about her volunteer work with the beginning choir and summer music camps where she taught choir and ukulele. “I love to teach music and see the outcome it has on people. Music has always been my thing that I really love teaching people. It just feels good to know that you helped somebody.”
In addition to helping with the beginning choir, she has a penchant for succulents and participates in the gardening club, is a photographer on the yearbook staff, and has a particular interest in science. After taking a high school science course in the eighth grade just so she could pick an additional science in high school, she was looking forward to an advanced class. “I’m excited that I get to take chemistry next semester.”
In college, Izzy hopes to major in music with a focus on vocal performance and would like to be a vocal instructor some day. “When words fail, music speaks. I have a genuine belief that music can change lives. All of the choir teachers I have had have made me feel that I want to be one as well because they inspired me to do better and help other people.”
When asked how her friends might describe her, she giggled. “They would probably describe me as goofy. I am introverted, but also outgoing. I turn into a whole different person on stage.”
After being diagnosed with hemophilila B at 14 years of age, Izzy began attend events in the hemophilia community. She shares, “The Coalition for Hemophilia B has been invaluable and even though there are other teens with hemophilia, it’s easy to forget that you’re not the only one.” She also says that her experience in the hemophilia community and particularly in The Beats program has been really great. Izzy “feels more connected with other individuals living with hemophilia B” and that the Coalition has truly provided support every step of the way.
A strong proponent for advocacy, “Advocating for yourself and others is so important. I’m always trying to advocate for myself, like when I go to my 6-month appointments, I know what I am going to say and what I am going to ask about, and I know how to answer the questions that are asked of me. I always try to stay as educated as I possibly can. One thing I really want to do more of is advocate for women and teens who have hemophilia, especially female teens. At these events, sometimes I feel like I don’t hear anything about teen girls.” When asked if she would like to speak about this topic at an event, she quickly answered, “I would love to do that!”
When asked if there was anyone who had been particularly supportive after she received her diagnosis, the answer came without hesitation. “I definitely would say my brother. He was very shocked when I told him. I came home from the doctor’s and I was like, you will not believe what I just got diagnosed with.”
Even before she was diagnosed, she credits her brother, Brandon, with helping her understand the disorder itself. Having been diagnosed at birth, he was no stranger to hemophilia B and knew exactly what she needed to hear and how to help her manage her treatments.
What’s her advice for someone newly diagnosed with hemophilia B? “You’re not alone. Even though it feels really hard right now, the more you educate yourself, the easier it will become. It’s important to advocate for yourself so you can speak on your own behalf.”
The lead singer for Total Luminosity is just getting started with her own voice and we look forward to hearing a lot more from her!