Yorktown Performing Arts Spotlight: Esther Villamin Is a Triple Threat

Yorktown, N.Y. — Esther Villamin has been singing for as long as she can remember, took up the guitar in fourth grade and started playing the trumpet the following year—yet the multi-instrumentalist says she didn’t realize how important music would be to her until she found her path in the Yorktown High School music program.

“I’ve been singing forever and it was one of my favorite hobbies when I was a little kid [but] I didn’t really take music seriously until high school,” said Villamin, a senior who plans to study music business and production in college. “I thought playing a few instruments and singing would just be a hobby, not something I would pursue throughout and after high school.”

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Calling her musical journey “a bunch of twists and turns” Villamin took time out to explain how she found “the right path by staying musical” and share some of her favorite moments along the way.

When did you realize music was more than a hobby for you?

I slowly started to get myself out there, trumpet and singing-wise, by soloing on a jazz piece during our winter concert and singing “My Funny Valentine” during our swing dance in my junior year. I was also able to join an All-County Jazz Band during my junior year. My senior year opened up many new musical opportunities since I was able to become the Jazz Band guitarist and vocalist and continue to be a Wind Ensemble trumpet player.

What are some of your favorite performances?

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One of my proudest moments was performing a jazz classic, “The Girl from Ipanema” by Antonio Carlos Jobim on guitar and vocals during both our Winter Concert and Swing Dance. Another was being able to perform in an Area All-State band with three of my [Yorktown] bandmates.

Do you plan to continue in music after high school?

Absolutely! I plan to major in music business/recording/producing since I have always been interested in learning [about] the music industry, and making music has always been a goal of mine. I will also stay active in joining different ensembles.

What are some of your main inspirations and influences?

My parents have been a big influence…When I was little, they would always sing and play music around me. My mom is an amazing singer and my dad is an amazing multi-instrumentalist—guitar, bass, drums, etc. People love to say that I am a perfect blend of my parents since I get my musical talents from both of them and I agree! They are also my biggest fans and supporters.

Secondly, my friends are big inspirations to me. Last, but not least, Ms. Kluga, my band teacher, has been nothing but supportive. She witnessed my early struggles with the trumpet, yet she helped me become a better trumpeter than I could have imagined. Without her guidance, I wouldn’t be the person I am today!

What’s the best thing about being in the school band?

One of the main reasons I love band is because of the many friendships that have come out of it. I have made some of my closest friends through the band program, whether it be from extra activities, such as Pep Band or just being in class and talking with people around you. Friendships made my love for band grow stronger and are essential to building a strong band.

What do you like to do outside of music?

In my free time, I like to spend time with my dog Max and my two sisters, Ranee and Emma. I also like hanging out with my friends since they always know how to make me smile and make my day feel a little brighter no matter what. If I have time to myself, I like to watch my comfort movies, “Anastasia,” “Tangled,” and “The Princess and the Frog.”

What songs are on your Top-5 playlist?

“Saturn” by SZA, “Poison Poison” by Reneé Rapp, “From the Start” by Laufey, “Bonfire” by Wave to Earth, and “Love’s Train” by Silk Sonic

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