Clay Nelson and voice teacher Mitchell McGinnis
We are proud to announce that Clay Nelson will be attending Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts for his junior and senior years of high school. Clay Nelson is a talented individual, participating in voice competitions, musicals, show choir, and theater through his current school Northwest Rankin High School. Clay has been taking voice lessons with voice teacher Mitchell McGinnis since December 2019. Walnut Hill currently accepts an average of 47% of students that apply for admission.
Over the past couple of years, Clay has seen tremendous success in response to his talent and hard work. Here are some of Clay’s achievements: 1st Place for Male Monologue at the Mississippi Theater Association (MTA), Two Time Male Musical and Male Monologue Superior at Thescon, Male Grand Champion Solo Competition Winner at Homewood South Central Class, Two Time Male Grand Champion Solo Competition Winner at Jackson Academy Show Choir Invitational, and Two Time Male Grand Champion Solo Competition Winner at Biloxi Gulf Coast Classic.
Clay will attend Walnut Hill School for the Arts beginning in August 2023.
Read some questions and answers from Clay below!
1: How long have you been taking voice lessons? I've been taking voice lessons with Mitchell for about four years. I first met him at my middle school tryouts for show choir and I was blessed to be able to start working with him my 7th grade year.
Clay Nelson performing in Fly By Night
2: What are some ways you feel that lessons have most benefited you? I started working with Mitchell at an important "growing up" stage in my life. Voice lessons with Mitchell have allowed me to have a safe place where I can explore my artistry and find myself. Every week is a challenge but I love getting to work with such a supporting and nurturing voice coach. I've learned things that are so valuable and I'll take them with me everywhere I go. Mitchell since day one has set me up for success and has been patient with me as I grow up and continue learning. These lessons are something so special to me and have refined my skills and prepared me for a great future.
3: What do you love most about performing? What I love most about performing is getting to share art with others. There is something so special about getting on a stage and putting yourself out there. Performing is all about discovery and the ability to convey a message that hopefully impacts your audience and changes their lives. I love getting to show real and true emotions and bring characters to life and share their story. I've gotten the incredible experience to explore my performance at 601 and I've grown so much because of it. Performing can sometimes be challenging, but I've fallen in love with sharing my art and telling stories.
Clay Nelson performing in Fly By Night
4: Who do you feel are your biggest supporters for pursuing your art? I have been very lucky to have amazing and supporting parents. Throughout my whole life my parents have always been there for me and shown me what it means to love. Even when I was finding my passion as a little kid they took me to all of the soccer and baseball tryouts, and stood by my side when I auditioned for my first play and found my calling. As my life has progressed they have been with me every step of the way and I can't thank them enough. The decision to attend Walnut is a huge one but my parents have been by my side as I'm taking these big steps for my future. There has also been another big supporter in my life and that's Mitchell. He has always cared and wanted the best for me. Along with my parents, he is my biggest advocate. I've gotten to see how he not only cares for me but for all of his students. He puts his students first and has shown me what it means to be a good person.
Clay Nelson in front of the Walnut Hill School for the Arts sign in Natick, MA.
5: What is something interesting many people might not know about you? Something interesting people might not know about me is that I love figure skating! It's a recent passion of mine and I'm absolutely obsessed. I own a pair of roller blades and me and my best friend go to the roller skating rink every weekend and pretend we are on ice. I'm trying to learn new tricks on my roller blades so maybe one day I can show off. If anyone ever wants to talk about figure skating, I'm your guy!
6: Anything else you want to share? Going to Walnut is going to be a huge jump and I'm so grateful for everyone around me who has been so supportive. It's going to be sad to leave but I'm so excited for all the opportunities and wonderful things Walnut has to offer. I've been so blessed and I am forever grateful for 601 and Mitchell for always caring for me.
