Today we’d like to introduce you to Serena Mackerell.
Hi Serena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I loved singing when I was a kid and enjoyed singing in choirs during High School. My solo “career” took off as a senior in High School when I was asked to sing by myself at church. After this, I was asked to join a small performing group who was scheduled to perform at several venues during the SLC 2002 Olympics. Aside from church, I took a hiatus from singing while I finished college and served an LDS mission in Brazil-where I had many singing opportunities. Upon my return, at 24, I decided to take my first voice lesson and invest in my vocal abilities. Through my teachers, I found many more performing opportunities within the community, Utah Opera/Symphony, Lyrical Opera, Utah Pop Orchestra, and most frequently with Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Before my senior year of High School, I auditioned for Madrigals. I didn’t make it. It made me sad, but I made lasting friendships in the Jazz choir and learned some perseverance. Since then, and even recently, I have auditioned for roles that I didn’t get. It is always disappointing, but as a performer, you have to accept that it simply comes with the territory. But I have found that it always works out and there is always something better or more fitting waiting. I have entered several competitions with the National Association of Teachers of Singing. The first two years I won first place in my divisions. It was an honor. My third year I entered, yet, another division where I won second place. It was disappointing, but the woman who won first honestly outperformed me that day, and after hearing her, I realized what an honor it was to have placed after her. We have since become friends and she truly inspires me. Every disappointment has only made me better in my talent and in my attitude.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My most challenging struggle in life has been that of infertility. I was the inspiration to begin a nonprofit. Together with my husband and sisters, I run Footsteps for Fertility Foundation (FFF). We raise money and provide grants for couples who require treatment to achieve pregnancy. FFF is responsible for bringing over 75 babies into this world! I am really proud that my struggle was made to be a blessing for others. This is why I had the honor of being appointed Mrs. Utah 2017. My own infertility treatment resulted in a set of triplets in 2013 and they have recently joined me in performing on stage. All my passions in one. Daily I also work at my children’s school as a para educator one on one with a student who I love to pieces.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Please come see me perform with Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society this spring!
In King of Kings, I depict Mary, mother of Jesus.
In Lamb of God, I sing the role of Martha during the depiction of when Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenatynow/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serena.mackerell?mibextid=LQQJ4d
