Johnny Calabrese, a member of the Thomas R. Proctor High School Class of 2020, has a story to tell – one that begins at the Utica City School District and comes full circle on the high school stage.
A multi-talented songwriter, performer and composer, Calabrese grew up discovering his passion for music and performance in Utica, the city he calls home. Now he’s back at Proctor High School, guiding the next generation as a piano accompanist and assistant music director for the Drama Club’s performance of “The Little Mermaid.”
Over months of rehearsals, Calabrese orchestrated harmonies and shared the lessons that helped shape him as an artist. In less than a week, the curtains will rise. For Calabrese, this isn’t just a musical; it’s a celebration of home and giving back to the community that nurtured him.
Calabrese’s love of performing began early, back when he was a student at John F. Hughes Elementary School. From filming YouTube videos with his sister, to joining musicals at James H. Donovan Middle School, he knew he wanted to be on stage. But at Proctor, his focus shifted from acting to music.
“I used to hang out in the choir room all the time and play songs for everybody,” Calabrese recalled. “Mrs. Patricia Scaramella noticed my piano skills and encouraged me to accompany the choir. That’s when I realized the pull toward the musical aspect of theatre and not just acting.”
After high school, Calabrese pursued his musical passion further, earning his Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Mohawk Valley Community College. He then went on to study studio composition at Purchase College. There, he began writing original songs and collaborating on musicals, including “Crystal Clear,” a full-length original show that he co-composed with his college friend, Calista.
“We were still writing the songs the week before auditions,” Calabrese recalled with a laugh. “It was chaotic, but it taught me so much about collaboration and taking risks.”
Just two weeks before the show, several cast members came down with COVID-19, but rehearsals still took place with cast members wearing masks in a hybrid environment. Despite these obstacles, Calabrese still considers it to be one of his proudest projects.
“I didn’t have individual parts ready for everyone, so I just gave the piano score and told them to improvise,” Calabrese said. “We ended up with guitar, bass, drums, you name it. It went really well, and the performance is even on YouTube.”
Today, Calabrese is helping students experience those same lessons firsthand. He teaches harmonies and supports the cast in building confidence on stage. Being on the other side of a production has given him a fresh perspective.
“It’s different in a really good way,” Calabrese said. “There’s a lot more responsibility and leadership, but while part of me will always love performing, I also really enjoy being an educator. Teaching and coaching students is rewarding, and it’s great to help others pursue something you’re passionate about.”
Calabrese credits the high school’s supportive teachers and creative environment for giving him a platform to experiment and grow.
“Proctor has some of the best educators in the area, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” Calabrese said. He specifically pointed to former choir teacher, Mrs. Scaramella, and English teacher and drama director Ms. Lacey Stevens as mentors who helped shape his path. “Now I get to work with Ms. Stevens again, but on the other side of things.”
When Calabrese was asked what he hopes students will take away from working with him, he emphasized the importance of enjoying the journey.
“You want to take your craft seriously, but you also have to enjoy the experience,” Calabrese said. “Rehearsing for a show is about working toward those big moments during the performances. But what really lasts is everything that happens along the way: the rehearsals, the friendships you build and the skills you learn.”
He also encouraged students to say ‘yes’ to opportunities, and to know when to say ‘no’ to avoid burnout.
“Don’t wait for permission to create... Take initiative and go after it,” he advised.
Calabrese applies that same advice to his own work today as he continues building his career as a songwriter and performer.
“My work right now is still in a transition phase,” Calabrese explained. “I’m building experiences here in my hometown, but I also feel that pull to go elsewhere, maybe somewhere like New York City. I can definitely see myself pursuing a multi-hyphenated career: singer, songwriter, composer, music director, pianist – kind of combining all of it.”
Living away from Utica and collaborating with other creatives has helped Calabrese grow personally and artistically. That independence shows in his songwriting and leadership, even as he navigates moments of imposter syndrome. In addition to “The Little Mermaid”, Calabrese is working as the Pianist for “Hadestown: Teen Edition” at Waterville Jr./Sr. High School, which opened and concluded earlier this month.
Calabrese reflected on how growing up in Utica shaped not only who he is, but the artist he has become.
“Utica is small enough to feel close-knit, but big enough to get lost a little,” Calabrese said. “It’s really taught me to value family and to romanticize home. You form close relationships with people and that sense of community has stayed with me. It influences the way I approach everything, even my songwriting.”
For Calabrese, his hometown isn’t just where he started, it’s the foundation that continues to guide his artistic journey.