Danielle Verdecchia: The Engineer & The Performer

Hi everyone!  My name is Danielle and I work as a civil engineer for a construction company in New York City.  My time outside of work is spent attending Zumba and dance classes (over the course of my 15 year dance career, I have taken classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and modern), tutoring students in math & science, enjoying time with my family and friends as much as possible, and singing.

Singing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Almost every home movie that my family possesses has a segment of me doing impromptu karaoke – there’s even a floppy disk (yes, an actual floppy disk still exists) that my parents have of me singing the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” at 2 years old in our garage during a rain storm.  Some of my most fond memories involve music in one way or another.   

My grandmother, Joyce, was a wonderful singer.  Any time that she was around my sisters and I she would sing to us – sometimes the songs were serious, with lyrics that were sentimental about the three of us growing up, and other times the songs were silly, designed to keep us laughing while we played in her pool.  She always encouraged me to develop my voice in different and special ways.  I can remember her attending my school chorus performances, taking me to my New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) event try-outs, and even having special rehearsals and lessons with me when we would spend Saturdays together.  She imparted to me as much musical knowledge as she could and always reminded me that my singing voice could be used as a tool to bring joy to others.  That was one of the most powerful lessons that she taught me – that music could affect people’s emotions and moods and it was a gift to be shared by all.

I work full-time as an engineer, therefore, at this point in time, my singing usually takes place during my drive home from work or in the shower after a long day.  Previously, I had been a member of multiple acapella groups, however my current schedule makes it a little difficult to participate in a structured group in that way.  I have had the opportunity to sing at multiple weddings, which is an incredible feeling – I enjoy getting to be a part of someone’s special day and providing them with any added joy that I can.

I chose to perform the Adele song,  All I Ask, for my Encounter because, in my personal opinion, Adele is one of the greatest voices of my generation.  Her music focuses on her vocal abilities and a true emotional connection to her audience, rather than flashy dance moves or effects which can sometimes be distracting.   All I Ask is a song that all people can relate to – needing good memories to cherish and hold on to during painful points in life and hoping that people in your life try their best not to hurt you along your journey.

To conclude, I just want to give a big thank you to all of those people who have helped to shape my life and have allowed me to pursue my goals – my teachers, my dance family, my acapella group family, and my family & friends – thank you all so much, it has meant the world to me.  Also, I would like to give a special thank you to OneSoundNYC and Lucas Fable & Mixerhead Dave at Mixerhead Studios for making this recording possible.  I truly hope you all enjoy it!  This was my first time in a studio and it was an extremely fun and memorable experience.