Since she joined the Circle as a Third Former, Ebun Lawore ’24 has demonstrated her talent and passion in music, both by performing music and writing her own pieces. From singing in chapel music offerings to performing at Open Mics, Ebun has contributed significantly to Groton’s music community.

How did you first discover your passion for singing?

As a child, I would sing at the Christmas and spring concerts that my school would have. The church I went to was quite musical, and I started to also sing there.

Has anyone in particular inspired you to pursue music?

It was really my elementary school music teacher. She gave me piano lessons and eventually started to give me voice lessons as well. I guess who would inspire me now musically are different artists that I listen to. Some of my favorite artists now are Tyler, the Creator, Victoria Monet, the Marias, and Laufey.

What’s the thought process when you write your songs?

It’s usually a spontaneous idea, like it would be at class where I’d get an idea, or at night when I’m about to sleep. When I’m sitting in a practice room, I usually think of guitar or piano chords first, then a melody. I rarely start with the words themselves.

What was your choir experience like here at Groton?
I joined the choir in Third Form, but at that time it wasn’t really “real choir” because of Covid. We mostly just sat around listening to music, and it was kind of sad. Choir did get fun in Fourth Form, especially because we went to San Francisco on a trip. That was when everyone became friends, and we spent time with each other. In Fifth Form, I started to like the music itself. I wasn’t familiar with classical music before Groton, but when I joined Sunday choir, I went from going to two sessions a week to four, which helped a lot.

In your eyes, what’s the best song you’ve ever written? What inspired you to write this song?

Really recently, in October or November, I wrote this song called 3-10-06, which is my birthday. I think the carol that I wrote was also one of the best songs I’ve written because music-wise it’s the most advanced one.

Is there anything that you wish to do in terms of singing and music beyond Groton?

I do want to release stuff in the future. I’m taking music technology right now, so I’d like to release stuff in the future and play with other people. I don’t like the idea of doing music by myself forever; I definitely see me and Luisa [Garciarramos Petricioli ’24] doing something. Or working with people in college.

What’s one piece of advice you have for aspiring music students at Groton?

Don’t compare yourself to other people because that can really discourage you from doing stuff. Everybody has different things that they’re good at. Voice-wise, like for me, I have a deeper voice, so I’m better at singing lower and fuller. But for singing higher, someone like Afrika [Gaye ’24] would be better at that lighter, more falsetto sound. One isn’t better than the other, it’s biology, there’s some things about your body that you can’t change.
It’s really easy to beat yourself down, but you have to learn not to because doing what you love is more important.