Music Beat

Over the last 2 years Monica Okopal has been on a journey to stardom at the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. The Club’s very own professional singer Monica Okopal began her journey to discovering her talent in second grade by auditioning and receiving the role of Annie in the elementary school musical. In a time when normally the third graders were selected for such roles, she was given this incredible opportunity. Experiencing such a success gave her the courage to continue to audition for every musical put on by the school, and although she spent some time acting, Monica decided to focus mainly on the singing aspect.

Nine years after her starring role, Monica continues to sing her heart out. Until recently, she was not formally trained, but simply figured things out along the way. She recognized over the years that her vocal quality naturally matured through practicing. She also acknowledges that she learned a lot of vocal fundamentals, technique and sight reading music through being involved with local choirs. Last year, staff at the Boys & Girls Club recognized Monica’s talent and potential, and thanks to a charitable donor, the Club connected her with a private voice coach. Along with many others, she has also had help from Club staff and the Arts Coordinator Eddie Guth who has arranged multiple gigs for her at many large Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows events. She has expressed her gratitude for these opportunities.

In a world with so many styles to choose from, Monica enjoys singing mostly pop and R&B. She is especially drawn to pop for its malleability to break down and give it a new twist or add flavor to fit your own personal style. However, she does have to say that R&B is her favorite to sing because it contains incredible soul and emotion. She believes they are the songs that have the most power to move people.

Monica couldn’t say that there is just one absolute role model to her when it comes to musical inspiration. However, she definitely attributes a lot of her musical guidance and inspiration from staff member Shayla Johnson, from the Donald L. Carano Boys & Girls Club. Monica says she, “has such a soulful and beautiful voice. Whenever she sings, she has the power to captivate people’s attention and I want to be able to do that to others.” The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows has always been a big supporter of Monica, “Honestly, the Club has been the biggest support in my musical journey. The Club restored my passion for singing.” Monica explained that she had waning interest in her musical career when she moved to Reno in 2012, until she was re-inspired at the Club.

Over the last month, Monica’s docket of events included singing the National Anthem at several Club events including the FIRST Lego League Scrimmage match, and singing it again and another song by John Mayer, “Waiting On the World to Change,” at the Annual Awards Banquet for more than 750 guests. She would have to say that that was by far her greatest achievement so far. She was also part of the Boys & Girls Club staff band that performed Christmas/holiday music for the Thanksgiving Dinner at the Club this year.

Monica has learned many things as a musician, but the most important thing she feels she has gained is confidence. She says, “Whenever I doubt the quality of my voice, I get really nervous and I perform awfully. Without confidence, you’re likely to be less successful because of the amount of doubt you carry about yourself. But, with confidence, you can proudly and humbly assert your presence. With confidence, you believe in yourself and if you believe in yourself, there is nothing to stop you from succeeding.”

Music will always be ingrained in Monica Okopal. She hasn’t decided whether or not a career path in music is right for her, but even though she doesn’t have much planned right now for the future as far as a career in music, she does know that, “Regardless of whatever happens, I’ll always be singing.”

MONICA OKOPAL BY Dan Pike

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