Meet Katya Rice, a junior double-majoring in Public Health and German and Romance Languages and Literatures. An abbreviated list of her accomplishments reads: beauty pageant winner, ballerina and concert pianist (just to name a few).
Upon meeting Rice, one registers her nature as unwaveringly composed, polite and sweet. Though these lovely qualities could stand alone, the accompanying blond hair, blue doe eyes and tiny figure certainly do not injure a first impression. Rice’s effect is ethereal, and it’s hard to believe anything meets her with much difficulty.
However, beneath Rice’s ostensibly delicate demeanor exists grit and workhorse perseverance. Underlying her poise is an unexpected resolve, befitting of a linebacker with dreams of being drafted. No matter how long or what it takes, Rice does not give up on a goal.
Such is the case with her recent acceptance into the Octopodes, the University’s premier co-ed a cappella group. After auditioning for the third consecutive year, Rice is officially a member of the highly exclusive group. Intrigued by her unorthodox entrance into a cappella, The News-Letter sat down with Rice to discuss this story of determination.
Rice is no stranger to the performing arts; she has long played piano and sung with her high school chorus and the Peabody Youth Choir prior to attending Hopkins. The state of Maryland even awarded her for excelling in musicianship theory exams.
Growing up dancing, singing and playing piano, Rice naturally sought a creative outlet to occupy her university years. “I started looking at different singing groups right when I got into Hopkins. I’ve always been very interested in the arts, and I think participating in something creative is a very needed distraction in college to help balance the rigorous academics and party culture.”
While most freshmen are first exposed to a cappella at the University’s annual O-Show, Rice began researching early on. “I saw them [the Octopodes] in YouTube videos even before coming to Hopkins, and I was just so impressed. They stood out to me, and I thought, ‘I want to be a part of that.”
Thus in September of 2012, she auditioned for three groups: the Sirens, the Vocal Chords and, of course, the Octopodes. Despite possessing much natural talent, blindly entering the audition process severely hurt her prospects. With little experience pitch-matching and difficulty sight reading, Rice did not receive the desired callback.
“The first year I didn’t have much control over my voice, and I was terrible at sight reading, which is very important. You need really advanced musicianship skills to be able to sing a cappella,” Rice said. “Looking back at the experience I can see how clueless I was.”
Though disappointed, Rice was not deterred, but instead set out practicing. Similar to pageant competitions, “You don’t win on your first try,” Rice said. “I didn’t win my first local, but I didn’t let that stop me. I’m not the kind of person who let’s anyone say ‘no,” she laughed.
Today Rice holds the title of Miss Black-Eyed Susan and ranked in the top 10 of Miss Maryland, despite being one of the youngest contenders.
“I don’t think missing out the first time is a failure; it’s an opportunity to learn,” Rice said.
Come fall of 2013, Rice felt better prepared and excitingly received a callback from her favorite group, the Octopodes. “They remembered me and said I improved a lot. They could tell I practiced.” But alas, sight reading proved to be her downfall once again, and she was not admitted.
Chances of joining the Octopodes after twice failing are typically slim to none.
“Through the years, I was really close to giving up,” Rice said, “but I kept believing in myself.”
She spent one more year improving her voice control and training. Seeing Rice audition for the third time must have surprised the group, but she was determined to try again fully prepared.
The perseverance paid off. Rice is now a member of the highly esteemed, award-winning and record-producing a cappella group, the Octopodes.
“I’m so glad I got accepted to sing with such a talented and super nice group of people. It really is amazing what you can achieve when you believe in yourself and don’t give up,” Rice said.
When asked if she considers herself something of a perfectionist, Rice hesitated, and instead responded, “I’m not someone who likes to give up.”
Rice’s ability to strive for and meet standards excellence is quite the inspiration. Her advice to others (particularly freshmen) who may not have succeeded in joining a group this year:
“When you look back on your experience, after the emotions subside, you can always see your mistakes and where you can improve. The important thing is to view any shortcoming as a growing experience and to keep practicing.”
She has adopted the Theodore Roosevelt expression, “Believe in yourself and you’re halfway there” as a life motto and driving force.
“In a way I’m happy that I didn’t get in the first year because I can appreciate getting in now. I realize how competitive it is, how much work it is. I feel so blessed and grateful for their faith in me.”
What’s next for this high-achiever? Be sure to attend the next Octopodes performance to find out. Knowing Rice, it’s only a matter of time until her next goal — perhaps a competition solo? — is met.
