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Westminster Applauds Natalie Wilson ’18 in Concert
On Friday, April 9, Westminster alumna and musician Natalie Wilson ’18 performed for the school community at Werner Centennial Center with her four band members. While her recorded work is primarily a solo endeavor, she often performs as Natalie Wilson & The Champs, recognizing the musicians who help shape her live sound. Westminster music teacher and Wilson’s former advisor, Dave Chrzanowski, stepped on stage to offer Wilson and her band a warm introduction.
From the opening note, Wilson won over the crowd with her dynamic, soulful voice and her conversational, humorous interludes. Her wide-ranging musical style was on full display throughout the set. Whether harmonizing on “Saratoga,” a wistful reflection on returning to her college town, reveling in the playful wordplay of “Mr. Connecticut,” or belting out her biggest hit to date, “Something to You,” Wilson held the audience’s attention and inspired raucous applause after every song.
Wilson proved herself not only a compelling performer but also a poignant and imaginative songwriter, performing 14 original songs from her two studio albums and debut EP. For the night’s final song Wilson invited her former teacher, Dan Aber P’16, ’18, ’20, to join her on stage for an energetic rendition of “Lady and the Champs.” Aber’s skillful saxophone playing drew loud cheers from the crowd, and as Sixth Former Avery Gray ’26 described it while waiting in a long line for Wilson’s autograph, “That was the liveliest I’ve ever seen the WCC.”
In addition to her performance, Wilson met with four English class blocks and Mr. Chrzanowski’s Songwriting class, connecting with nearly half of Westminster’s student body. In those sessions, she spoke candidly about her journey as a musician and discussed the complex dynamics of making a living in the music industry. Students also spent class time listening to Wilson’s songs and discussing their lyrics.
Natalie Wilson’s performance and class visits were highlights of the spring term, and the Westminster community looks forward to following her career and hopes to see Natalie Wilson & The Champs on campus again soon.
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From the opening note, Wilson won over the crowd with her dynamic, soulful voice and her conversational, humorous interludes. Her wide-ranging musical style was on full display throughout the set. Whether harmonizing on “Saratoga,” a wistful reflection on returning to her college town, reveling in the playful wordplay of “Mr. Connecticut,” or belting out her biggest hit to date, “Something to You,” Wilson held the audience’s attention and inspired raucous applause after every song.
Wilson proved herself not only a compelling performer but also a poignant and imaginative songwriter, performing 14 original songs from her two studio albums and debut EP. For the night’s final song Wilson invited her former teacher, Dan Aber P’16, ’18, ’20, to join her on stage for an energetic rendition of “Lady and the Champs.” Aber’s skillful saxophone playing drew loud cheers from the crowd, and as Sixth Former Avery Gray ’26 described it while waiting in a long line for Wilson’s autograph, “That was the liveliest I’ve ever seen the WCC.”
In addition to her performance, Wilson met with four English class blocks and Mr. Chrzanowski’s Songwriting class, connecting with nearly half of Westminster’s student body. In those sessions, she spoke candidly about her journey as a musician and discussed the complex dynamics of making a living in the music industry. Students also spent class time listening to Wilson’s songs and discussing their lyrics.
Natalie Wilson’s performance and class visits were highlights of the spring term, and the Westminster community looks forward to following her career and hopes to see Natalie Wilson & The Champs on campus again soon.
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