She does it all: singing, songwriting, guitar, and theater. At Groton, one would be hard-pressed to find a musical aspect of the school that Phoebe isn’t involved in. From two years of a songwriting FSA to co-leading Open Mic to her various other endeavors, Phoebe embodies music at Groton School.

While she claims that her “music taste is that of a middle-aged suburban mom,” the music that she writes and performs is relatable for everyone: “Every song you write is capable of impacting the listener. I guess that’s my favorite part.” This genuine approach to music allows her pieces to become greater than just words and notes.

Although everyone at Groton is busy, somehow Phoebe makes time for songwriting. Music is a constant in the Fry family dynamic, as Phoebe explains, “Songwriting is a deeply rooted tradition in my family, so it was natural for me to try it myself. Our family reunions are basically concerts … My parents raised me with a strong emphasis on the importance of music, which I’m endlessly grateful for. I can’t even remember a time when I didn’t sing or play an instrument.”

This passion for music is evident in all of Phoebe’s Open Mic performances. At the last one, she performed an original song titled “Rubies Within,” accompanied by the members of the Guitar Project, an ensemble of seven students adept at guitar. To perform at Open Mic is impressive. To perform a song that is written about oneself is rare. To perform a song that you wrote, accompanied by people you taught the piece to, is quite remarkable.

With her Groton musical career in its fifth year now, Phoebe has created many musical memories. She said, “My first Open Mic performance is something I’ll never forget. Noah Altshuler ‘15 accompanied me on piano and I sang “You’ve got a Friend” by James Taylor. I couldn’t have been more nervous beforehand, but I’m so glad I performed.” This song choice is apt, since Phoebe has formed many friendships stemming from common interests in music.

Her Open Mic co-head, Piper Higgins ‘17, was more than enthusiastic when asked if she had anything to say about Phoebe as an artist. “Phoebe is astoundingly talented. I remember the first time I heard her sing five years ago, thinking, ‘How in the world is she my age?’ She sings with the gravity of an old soul, while still retaining the youthful lens she writes her songs with.”

Phoebe said that music has allowed her to form some of her closest friendships. However, songs as finished products are not the only aspect of music that have influenced Phoebe. Songwriting and lyrical analysis have also deepened her relationships: she finds music to be one of the best conversation topics among her friends.        

Phoebe brings her musical talents to many other activities beyond Open Mic. As well as performing in choir, where she has sung one of the most notable Lessons and Carols solos, “Once in Royal David’s City,” multiple times, Phoebe has participated in a songwriting FSA for the past two years and regularly performs in theater. The FSA allowed her to further explore an aspiration to become the fully-fledged songwriter she is today.

In the theater, Phoebe has been able not only to sing, but also to act and dance. She has been in every musical since second form, but possibly her most noteworthy performance was in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forum, which she did two years ago with her brother, Trevor Fry ‘15. Currently, she is working on the Guitar Project to  hone her skills as a lyricist and a composer.

With an early background in violin, a more recent acquisition of guitar, and some piano, Phoebe has run the gambit in music and performance at Groton. “Something I love about Groton … is that it hasn’t forced me to specialize in one art. I can take guitar lessons, be in guitar project, do theater, sing in the choir, run Open Mic, and write songs all at the same time. I just have to set my mind to it,” she says. Certainly the arts have benefitted, and hopefully Phoebe will be able to find even more opportunities for music in her future.

Phoebe is pleasantly optimistic about pursuing music in the future. While she doesn’t see it as a career, she points out, “The best thing about having music … is that you never have to part with it.” Her foundation with music as a family affair is clearly reflected in her opinion toward music as a whole and her taste in music today: “I vividly remember childhood road trips from Ohio to Vermont with James Taylor on shuffle. Whether driving or not, my parents played James Taylor all the time. That’s … why I closely associate his music with comfort and home.”

Phoebe has continually improved her musical talents throughout her time at Groton, and has never experienced a shortage of musical inspiration on the Circle. If you haven’t yet, be sure to come to the next Open Mic and stay till the end to hear her play; it’s well worth it.