Sing it, Jordynn!
Woodland Middle School sixth-grader Jordynn Walker appears on the jumbotron as she sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball game Thursday. Jordynn has been performing since she was 4 and plans to be a professional singer when she grows up. Today is also her 12th birthday!
Courtesy photo
Walker
When asked to sing a few bars of the national anthem, Jordynn Walker doesn't miss a beat.
"No fear on this one," her dad, Kevin Walker, said as he and Jordynn spoke with The Press during a conference call Friday.
Jordynn, a sixth-grader at Woodland Middle School, performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball game Thursday evening. She was asked to sing at this game after her Gonzaga debut in November when she performed before a women's basketball game.
"A lot of emotions go through," Jordynn said. "It's like one big adrenaline rush when you walk in front of everyone. You’re happy and you're terrified, and then you have to wait. Once you start to sing, it all goes away and all you can think about is the song."
Jordynn's first stage performance was in Laura Little's "Traditions of Christmas" in 2014. At age 7 she began learning the national anthem and by 8 she was taking vocal lessons. Her performances include the Ramsey Elementary talent show, a Fourth of July meeting for Rotary and other local venues.
She is also active in her school choir under the direction of Laura Reese.
"She is a very wonderful teacher," Jordynn said. "She is kind and she is a very wonderful person."
Jordynn gave a shout-out to her former choir teacher, Spencer Normington, for giving her the confidence to perform at the Ramsey talent show. She also gives credit to her good pal, Ruby, for being her No. 1 fan.
"She supports me all the time," Jordynn said. "I really love her, she's one of my best friends and supports me through and through."
Kevin said the artistic development his daughter has shown in the past few years has been amazing.
"You try to have as many open doors for your kids as possible," he said. "This opens a lot of opportunities for her, and I'm really proud of that."
The young songstress is also celebrating her 12th birthday today. She looks forward to many more experiences on stage.
"I would really hope to be known for my voice," she said. "My dream someday is to be a famous singer or something like that and to be known for my voice."
