Superintendent’s Artist of the Week: Miles Allen

Eighth grader Miles Allen is making the most of his first year as a member of the Warwick Valley Middle School Chorus, including performing a well-received solo in his first concert.

WVMS chorus director Shane Peters talked to Miles about joining the chorus after hearing him sing in a WRC Theater Company production. Miles has been performing in WRC musicals for a few years, but he was never a member of the WVMS chorus or Drama Club.

“Miles joined the chorus this year and he’s just amazing,” Mr. Peters said. “He nailed his solo in his first concert. The kids cheered for him and the crowd went wild.  He got a really good response from that.”

“The solo went really well,” said Miles, who sang “Helpless” from the musical “Hamilton”. “The whole crowd was applauding and there was a roar and my mom even taped it.”

Miles got started with the WRC plays because he likes acting. He’s currently rehearsing for “Shrek” and his role as Shrek’s father. Miles is also playing Mr. Wiesel in the upcoming WVMS production of “Newsies”.

“Miles had never auditioned for us before,” said Newsies director and WVHS choral director Noreen Hanson. “But he works really hard and he has a great attitude. He’s also a great singer. I’m looking forward to having him in high school.”

Miles said one of his goals is to become a member of the Meistersingers honors chorus at WVHS. As far as long-term goals, Miles originally wanted to become an engineer, but now he’s also considering a future in singing and acting.

“Miles is so talented and has a good ear,” Mr. Peters said. “He doesn’t hold back. He sings out and is true to himself the whole way through. He’s very confident in what he does, and it shows.”

In addition to rehearsing for both “Newsies” and “Shrek” this spring, Miles is a member of the Warwick Valley Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team that finished first in the Region 5 tournament and is currently preparing for the state tournament at the New York State Fairgrounds on April 15.

Odyssey of the Mind co-coordinator and WVMS Drama Club producer Christy Brown said Miles is showing his many talents and shining in both activities

“Miles is a deep and creative thinker who brings positivity and unique insight to his Odyssey of the Mind team,” said his coach Christina Darcy. “From set construction to creating and painting props and his brilliant performance in the team’s long-term skit, Miles’ artistic abilities have proven limitless.”

Miles Allen performs a solo during Warwick Valley Middle School 7th/8th Grade Winter Concert on Dec. 19, 2022.