Keisha McCarthy, a senior studying music arts with an emphasis in vocal performance, began singing at a young age. She developed her musical skills in both Jamaica and the United States as she shared her talent at family gatherings, choir practices, and other events. 

“I have always had the desire to sing,” McCarthy said. “Music gives me everything I need.”

McCarthy spent a lot of her childhood traveling between Jamaica and the United States.

After eighth grade, McCarthy came to the United States and attended high school. During high school, McCarthy further developed her music skills by participating in a choir and by taking voice lessons.

McCarthy is the lead singer in the band called The Chocolate Train, which is composed of three members - a lead singer, a guitarist, and a percussionist.
The band has performed at Guitars Unplugged, I-Night and other functions on and off campus.  The band composes and performs original songs based on band members’ life experiences. The band also does improvisation at some of their performances.

With graduation only a few semesters away, McCarthy told of her hopes for
the future. 

“I would love to write for other people,” McCarthy said. “That way, when the time comes, I can have a family and not be the mother that is away from home for months.  I do want to perform, but writing gives me joy.”