Ananya Akula

• ACDA National Mixed Choir (2023)
• Honors Performance Series: Carnegie Hall Treble Choir (2023)
• Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College (2022)
• Superior at the International Thespian Festival - Musical Theater Solo (2022)
• Tri-M Music Honor Society Outstanding Service Award (2022)
• Matilda: Lavender, Miss Honey (u/s) (2022)
• Xanadu: Andrew Sister, Thetis, Euterpe (u/s) (2022)
• National Capital Area Cappies Gala: Vocalist (2022)
• NAfME All-National Choir (2021, 2022)
• Virginia All-State Choir (2021, 1st chair and perfect score in 2022)
• PAVAN Governor’s School (2021)
• LCPS All-County Chamber Choir (2021)
• High School Musical 2: Tansy the Sharpette, Martha (u/s)(2021)

Ananya Akula is a junior in high school. She is from Northern Virginia.

Ananya's passion for music began at the age of 5 as she studied Carnatic music. Since then, she has been accepted into choral ensembles across the country from the county to national level. Choir allows her to build a family through the universal language of music, while working with a group of diverse and exciting musicians. Through choir, Ananya set several new records within her community as early as her first year of high school. In addition to choir, Ananya has set foot on multiple stages as an actress, understudy, and vocal director. As a result of her training and mentorship, she received a Superior at the 2022 International Thespian Festival in the Solo Musical Theater division. Throughout Ananya's high school career, she had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with the renowned Dr. Sonya Baker, Jacob Carr, Judy McLane, and Ellen Rissinger along with participating in various ensembles led by Dr. Eugene Rogers, Dr. Gary Seighman, Dr. Frances Fonza, Dr. Geoffrey Paul Boers, Dr. Maggie Burk, Dr. Edryn Coleman, Dr. Fotina Naumenko, Dr. Kathleen Bell, and Dr. Steve Jennings. Currently, Ananya trains with University of Michigan alum, Yasas Jayawardena.

Through Ananya's leadership in the arts, she has positively impacted her community. Ananya is the president of her schools' United Sound program, which is designed to remove barriers between people with disabilities and to foster social change through music education. Additionally, Ananya uses her role as the Vice President of the Rock Ridge Choir Board to collaborates with various organizations, such as the Waltonwood Senior Living and Pacific Senior Living, and coordinate monthly musical performance opportunities for their residents. As the Tri-M Music Honors Society Secretary, Ananya helps execute annual galas that educate her community on topics like music therapy and careers in music.

Ananya plans to major in vocal music education in college. In Ananya's free time, she enjoys playing the piano, traveling, and teaching.