One on One with Sarah Whittemore

In summer 2014, I briefly met one of "The Voices of Liberty" singers after a set. I did not remember her name; but, I did remember two things: 1) she had an amazing voice 2) she was friendly. In fall of 2017, we got to meet again and slowly got to know each other. Fast forward to spring 2020, I started my blog back up again and asked Sarah to answer some questions for my first blog interview ever and I'm excited to share it with you. So, let's dive in and learn about Sarah Whittemore. (Above photo: Bethany Yanak)

When/how did you start singing?

Well, I have been singing as long as I can remember. I wrote my first song when I was about 3. I really found my love for singing when I began performing in The Greensboro Youth Chorus. I think that was around 4th grade. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of being a performer.

Is singing the only talent you possess? Do you write, play instruments, produce?

I’m learning more and more that I do enjoy writing music. We’ll see where that leads. I can play some piano.

You did not study music in college; but, how much have you had training wise? You grew up in NC, did you attend college there?

I took voice lessons in high school (thank you Sam Doyle!), and continued through my first year of college. I was a vocal performance major at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I changed my major though and ended up with a BA degree in Psychology. Yes, Greensboro, NC is my hometown!

What artists influence your style?

The ones that truly shape how I hear, feel , and produce music?!? ....hmmmm. Bonnie Herman, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, Björk, Patsy Cline, Eva Cassidy, Sarah McLauglin, K.D. Lang, so many incredible vocalists I could go on and on!

Was Disney the reason you ended up in Florida?

YES! And so thankful for it.

When did you start with Disney?

I started in the fall of 2006 singing in The Candlelight Processional with The Voices of Liberty.

You currently are a part time member of “The Voices of Liberty." This a capella  group started the same day EPCOT opened in 1982. Why do you think the legacy continues? 

Voices of Liberty offers a truly unique opportunity within Walt Disney World. Guests can come and experience a live a capella show with their families, and later meet and greet with the performers. This interaction fosters bonds and even friendships over the years. I believe these connective moments, introduced in music, and later fortified by conversation, are what make our stage endure with great significance. 

What is one thing you learned from Johnson’s?

(The husband and wife duo that founded “The Voices of Liberty”)

I’ve learned countless lessons from both Derric and Debbie Johnson. I think the greatest one that sticks with me the most is something Derric said (and I may be paraphrasing), “We are not in the music business, we are in the communication business.”

(Sarah went on to add,) “We must always tell the story when we perform.”

By in large, VOL cast members have always seemed friendly and humble. How do you stay humble? 
I stay humble because I know how much talent there is in the world, and I am a tiny spec amidst it all. There is always someone I can learn from, and I just feel fortunate that I have the privilege to perform for a living. I’m grateful that I’m given that chance, and I don’t take it lightly. (Above photo: Bethany Yanak)

In 2019, you stepped down from Full-time status at VOL to Part-time. I had the pleasure of sitting there for your last FT day with my friends. What were you feeling then? 

I felt a kaleidoscope of emotions. Most of all, I felt so grateful for the many years I spent full-time at VOL. I felt honored by the love and support of so many friends, and I felt hopeful for the future.

What is your favorite Voices song to sing?

Shenandoah

You recently recorded a solo for "EPCOT Forever" can you tell me about that? 

As a little girl hearing “Wishes” and “Illuminations,” I dreamed about one day getting to be a part of a fireworks show. That dream came true when I recorded my solo in “EPCOT Forever.” It’s still so surreal, and I well up with emotion when I think about it. Being part of the magic is a such an immense privilege. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.

What is one thing you've done with Disney that has impacted you?

Honestly, the daily interaction with guests, helping to create magical moments, that’s my favorite part of being a cast member.

Moving away from Disney, I've seen you as The Witch in a local performance for CFC Arts of  "Into the Woods". (You were amazing!) What has been your most challenging role to date?

The Witch is definitely the hardest role I have tackled. She has quite the journey in “Into The Woods.” Playing her was a dream come true.

What is one role you would like to try?

Hmm. One day,  I’d love to play Dolly in “Hello Dolly’ or Mama Rose in “Gypsy.” I’d also love to reprise my role as The Narrator in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Haven’t done that one since senior year of high school and it was so much fun!

So you're in Voctave, which is an awesome 11 person group. Why did you join that group and what is the thing you most enjoy about it?

Well, Jamey Ray asked me to be in the group, and I whole-heartedly said, “YES!” I love interpreting Jamey’s arrangements and bringing them to life with my fellow Voctave members. I also love performing live with Voctave and meeting our fans. I am so grateful for the love and support over the years, and I look forward to even more music in the future.

You've performed at some awesome venues, such as Carnegie Hall. What are some other places you've performed in? What has been your favorite?

Singing at Carnegie Hall as a soloist was a dream fulfilled. It was a magical, precious night that I will never forget. I also love performing on the castle stage with my witchy gal pal Winifred Sanderson in “Hocus Pocus Villain’s Spelltacular.” Singing “I Put a Spell On You” for thousands of guests is the ultimate rush.

Describe to me how performing in different capacities feels. Do you thrive off all of the varying gigs or do you have a niche?

Well, variety is the spice of life. I certainly aim to be a performer that can wear many hats in various venues. It pushes me to self-examine and focus on my goals. However, I truly love being in the studio, it’s my happy place.

What is the most challenging thing you've done musically?

Voctave music challenges me every time I perform it. I’ve also been in a few sessions that made my eyeballs cross because the music was so complex. But, I love a good challenge because I know it will only help me grow as a person and a performer.

How do you keep challenging yourself?

Well I suppose that’s the season I’m in right now. I’m trying to ask myself the question, “What if?” What if we put fewer limits on what feels possible, and start to chase after our dreams? We have to put ourselves in uncharted, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable territory if we are to grow.

If you weren't singing what would you be doing?

A pastry chef or in advertising/marketing.

One hobby of yours is "Pokémon Go" ;but, what are other hobbies do you have?

Oh yes I LOVE Pokemon Go! I also enjoy baking, cooking, and other nerdy pursuits like Nintendo/board games. My favorite Nintendo game is Secret of Mana, and my all-time favorite board game is Monopoly. I also really like to draw.

What is something people are surprised to learn about you?

I almost went to law school right before I came down to work for Disney.

What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you through your career? What advice would you give to a young performer? 

Be prepared.

Follow Sarah on instagram @ swhittmusic 

Also look for her on tour with Voctave or under The Voices of Liberty dome in EPCOT.

Check out "Red Circle Crew" on YouTube for more Voices of Liberty content along with a special performance of Sarah and her solo on "America the Beautiful" and more! Click the link below:
https://youtu.be/BahWTgXnMUQ

As always, feel free to like, share and comment!