Celebration of Music - Talent Search

Hello! My name is Adysen Grace Malek. I am 12 years old and attend Industrial Junior High in Vanderbilt, TX. I play the tuba in the school band and was named best 6th grade band student. I live on our family’s ranch in El Toro, TX, with my parents, Bowen and MeLynn Malek and my little brother, Myles Malek. My brother and I help on the ranch by taking care of our 2 miniature goats, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 14 chickens and 2 Beta fish. We love animals! My parents say I have been singing and making music forever!

When I was 9 years old, we went to the Symphonic Spooktacular in Victoria, TX. Before the show, instruments were placed on tables for you to explore. It was an awesome night that inspired me to take singing lessons. I started at Enny’s Music School in Victoria, TX. I later added piano and guitar lessons. That year, my Uncle Troy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma. While he was completing treatments at MD Anderson, I would learn songs for him and send videos of me singing and playing the guitar. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer. I had the privilege of singing at his rosary and funeral. That is when I realized music can both make you smile and comfort you when you are sad.

Last August, the Gulf Coast was hit by Hurricane Harvey. We packed up our prized possessions and evacuated to Austin. I brought my ukulele that my grandmother had bought me. I learned many songs when in Austin including, Somewhere over the Rainbow. Singing and music helped us all stay calm as we waited for the storm to pass.

In the spring, I competed in and won first place in the Theater Victoria Talent Show, playing ukulele and singing. It was a thrilling night! After that, my grandfather, the softball coach at Industrial High School, asked if I would sing the National Anthem at his softball games. This continued for play-off games, track meets, and programs. This past July, with over 100 close friends and family cheering me on, I sang the National Anthem at the Astros vs. White Sox game at Minute Maid Park! My greatest privilege was singing the National Anthem at the flag posting and field dedication for the Wounded Warriors Field of Honor in Victoria, TX. They posted over 3,000 flags in honor of those who have served and sacrificed for our great nation. The field was a breath-taking sight and it was an honor to be there!

This summer I attended T3 summer camp through Theater Victoria and loved it! At camp, I performed as Tigger in Winnie the Pooh, Junior. I enjoyed it so much, that I tried out for the Junior Theater Company and made it! We are currently working on our Christmas performance. I am very excited to be a finalist in the Celebration of Music and hope to continue to learn and grow through music. Thank you!