HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Emily McSwain, a junior at Bedford High School, learned recently that she finished second in an Air Force-wide Operation Talent Search in the “Teen Ages 16-18 Solo or Group Act” division.
Emily sang “House of the Rising Sun,” after hearing it performed on a television show.
“When I looked up the original version, I was amazed to hear how the performer changed so much of the original into her own rendition,” she said. “I didn't know that singers were allowed to do this. Now, I do it all the time -- I take a song I like and make changes to it, to make it feel more like me. I love this."
Emily is no stranger to Air Force-wide talent accolades. Her family won the “Family Act” during the same contest in 2014 and she placed second with her sister, Allison, before that.
The competition is open to all active duty, Guard or Reserve members and their immediate families. There are seven categories available to compete in at the Air Force level.
For winning, McSwain received $200 and a medal.
Her mom, Cathy McSwain, a procurement attorney for the 66th Air Base Group Judge Advocate Office, saw early that her daughter had musical talent.
“Ever since she was little, we recognized that she had musical gifts, but she has worked very hard to develop those gifts, through lessons, practicing, exploring and learning on her own,” said Cathy. “She plays the piano and sings almost every day, and on the weekends, she sings and plays for hours. She fills our house with music, and it's such a blessing.”
Emily’s love of music extends beyond the home. She performs in three acapella choirs at school and plays the marimbas for the Bedford High School marching band.
Last spring, Emily and her sister, Allison, performed at two local restaurants to raise money for a mission trip to Virginia with the Appalachian Service project.
When asked what kind of music she enjoys performing most, she said “anything and everything.”
“My favorite is jazzy blues, but I’ve also been playing country and pop,” she said. “There’s a song or music for every mood, and when I can’t find one, I write one.”
“It's good to see her get positive affirmation, especially in such a big field like Air Force wide,” said Cathy. “She's a passionate and fearless young woman; deeply devoted to her friends, family, music, justice and always willing to speak up for others and for what she thinks is right. She puts that same passion into her music.”