Traven Harrington has been performing for more than fifteen years. Originally from Raeford, NC, Traven first developed his passion for music in general as a child.
As a child, Traven was surrounded by music. Growing up in a family filled with musicians and vocalists, some would say that music was naturally in him, so it would not necessarily come as a surprise when opportunities came that would allow him to develop into a musician himself, that were outside of the parameters of what he already knew and experienced.
Gospel music and Church are the very foundation of Traven’s music and performance journey. From plays, speeches, choir, these were all vital parts of the very first experiences that he would have in the sense of performing. It was when he entered middle school, that he and loved everything about it. From marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, concert band, and more, Traven was an instrumentalist through and through, playing trumpet for a few events in his hometown and surrounding areas. It was not until after Traven was in college, that he found his voice. For a period, Traven would not sing alone publicly, for fear of rejection and ridicule. There was a point in his life where many would tell him that he “could not sing” or “should not sing”, and for a while, he listened.
Upon entering college, he was a biology/pre-nursing major, with the aspiration to become an anesthesiologist, however, his passion and love for music did not know this (LOL). But it would not really begin to make sense to him, until he met certain people that would help change the course of his collegiate path.
Traven met Dr. Randy Haldeman and Dr. Jeff Price. It was these two that really instilled in him that he had a voice that was worth hearing. It was after meeting and working with them, that he really began singing, or even believing that he had a voice to sing.
Simply trying to have a music “fix”, Traven took an “Intro to Sight Singing” class. Dr. Haldeman was the professor of this class. Unbeknownst to Traven, he was also the director of the chorale and choral program at the university. Now, in this class, there were periodic assessments that required you to sing for the instructor. Absolutely terrified, Traven was very nervous about this; up until this point, Traven had really been discouraged by others from singing, so he did not, at least not for others to hear. After the first assessment, Dr. Haldeman simply said, “you have a really nice voice”. That simple line struck a chord of encouragement for Traven, that would get louder and louder with time. After each assessment, Dr. Haldeman would say the same thing, except for now, it was followed by, “you sound better and better, every time I hear you”. At this point, Traven was wanting to switch his major to music, but, really did not know how to go about doing that. He had mentioned it to Dr. Haldeman, and Dr. Haldeman said some things and how it worked. One day, the assessment went a little differently. Dr. Haldeman listened, followed up with his notes of encouragement, and then asked Traven to come with him. Traven followed him to an office, where we were greeted by Dr. Jeff Price. Dr. Haldeman asked Dr. Price to listen. Traven was extremely nervous but managed to sing a piece for Dr. Price. This is where things would change for the better, again. Dr. Price agreed with everything Dr. Haldeman said, and from there, the preparation to become a music major began.
The encouragement and pushing of these two individuals, along with the support of his family, are the reasons why Traven has been afforded the opportunity to even believe in his voice, let alone be heard. Forever grateful for these two, they would continue to teach and help him in his collegiate studies. Dr. Price was Traven’s first voice teacher. He laid a foundation for Traven in the vocal stylings and techniques of bel canto and musical theatre. From there, Dr. Alissa Deeter would become Traven’s voice teacher post college. Under her tutelage, she continued to push and develop Traven into a better vocalist. Her teachings and understanding of vocal pedagogy, allotted Traven to learn more vocal stylings and more technical elements, that expanded beyond the bel canto world. With additional methods in the bel canto style, more musical theatre, to now adding elements for pop, jazz, and more, these things allowed the opportunity for furtherance in vocal versatility. Forever grateful, for these three professors.
It was also in college that Traven really began to focus on what it meant to be a performer, and how that would look for him as a career path post college. Many opportunities that were once foreign concepts to him, became windows and doors of opportunity for him. It was here that Traven performed in his first opera, first musical, first vocal competition ever. It was here that singing in multiple languages was common and performing for others was the norm. These things began to fan a flame that was already ignited in him. Eventually, he would take on new adventures every year, until eventually he would reach certain goals and attain certain things that he never imagined. From being a principle in a French chamber opera, to portraying a butterfly, to becoming a singing narrator in a musical, performing as a vocalist for the university, to singing both nationally and internationally; Traven had found his voice and knew what he was to do in life, post college.
Today, Traven continues to pursue excellence in every area of life as he takes the stage in various productions from cabarets, musicals, operas, and beyond. Some of the featured credits include, but are not limited to, “Bobby Dupree” in “Memphis the Musical”, “Old Deuteronomy/Gus/Growltiger” in the musical “CATS”, “Alex the Lion” in the musical “Madagascar”, as well as “The Wizard” in “The Wiz”. Overall, he remains forever humble and GRATEFUL to GOD, for everything. If asked years ago, this is not where he saw himself going, but he is certainly enjoying every minute of this journey! Currently, Traven can be found performing in various productions and venues. He is also available for other performance types outside of the stage as well. From weddings, to Easter and Christmas services, and other types of events as well, feel free to contact him, about performing at an event for you. Truly, he has found his calling, and is FOREVER GRATEFUL to GOD for opening the doors! #ToGODbetheGLORY