Special to The Swellesley Report courtesy of the Wellesley High School Bradford and Parents of Performing Students (POPS). This is one in a series of POPS Senior Profiles we’ll be publishing.
Silence blankets the crowd as a lone figure steps into the spotlight, the audience held in a breathless awe. A rich, commanding voice rises, blending seamlessly with the harmonies of his fellow singers in the background—expressive, clear, and powerful.
As Jamie Duffy ’25 steps onto the stage, it is impossible not to be drawn to his voice. And yet, surprisingly, he did not get here by seeking this attention—he earned it without ever demanding it.
Duffy performs with several groups at the high school, including Subharmonics (formerly known as Brooks Brothers), a year-long class that helps students build their vocal skills and perform both on and off campus. He is also a member of the Rice Street Singers, an award-winning jazz choir, and serves as the musical director of A Cappella Anonymous.
As music director of A Cappella Anonymous, Duffy has shaped not only the group’s sound but its culture. He emphasizes the importance of cohesion and emotional storytelling, helping guide members to perform with both technical skill and heart.
“We focus so much on team bonding and effort so we, as an ensemble, can blend with the repertoire,” he said. “We always help push each other to become better singers, and that itself is what makes A Cappella Anonymous so unique and powerful.”
Dr. Kevin J. McDonald, the high school’s Choral Director, attests to Duffy’s commitment to excellence and building community.
“Jamie consistently goes above and beyond in handling additional responsibilities, from leading rehearsals to preparing posters and videos to advertise our concerts with incredible creativity,” said McDonald. “He is a voice of optimism and influence in encouraging other students to be their best.”
That encouragement is something Evelyn “Evie” Simon, a fellow A Cappella Anonymous member, knows well. “He really just wants everyone to be happy and have a good time,” Simon said. “He’s amazing at keeping everyone on track while still making sure we’re enjoying ourselves. That balance is so important in a cappella.”
Duffy’s leadership is built not on authority, but empathy. Duffy speaks softly, yet his words carry a depth that commands attention. He is articulate and thoughtful, yet he also listens attentively to others.
His naturally attentive demeanor complements his passion for music. “A song can have lyrics from any language,” he said, “and I find it compelling how five minutes can tell a very heartfelt story from the first note to the last. I’ve focused a lot on the storytelling of the pieces and the history behind them.”
Duffy’s passion for the arts extends beyond his singing groups—he has a deep love for musicals and film as well. When the high school produces a musical, his schedule becomes especially packed. On some days, he heads straight to the theater after school to rehearse for the musical, only to return later that night for A Cappella Anonymous practice. However, Duffy’s spirited attitude belies the nonstop and stressful life he leads.
“I basically never see the sun,” he said. “At times, I can have so many activities in a day and not get home until 10 or 11, but it is one-hundred percent worth it at the end of the day since I get to be with the people I love.”
His determined spirit has earned him numerous achievements. Duffy has performed with the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Eastern District Chorus, earned a spot in the Massachusetts All-State Choir, and been invited to sing with The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-Eastern Choir—a distinction reserved for the top high-school voices in a 12-state region.
Yet, accolades seem almost incidental to Duffy, as he is far more eager to discuss his efforts to better his group than his own personal achievements. Simon credits Duffy’s dedication to helping others as the catalyst for starting her own singing journey.
“He [Duffy] really encouraged me to just go for it and try out for a cappella,” Simon said. “A cappella is one of the greatest things I’ve ever done, and I don’t think I would’ve found that love for singing without his encouragement.”
Duffy will attend Chapman University in the fall to study writing for film and television but plans to continue singing as well.
“I’m very excited to find a sense of community in college—one that hopefully matches what I’ve found in A Cappella Anonymous,” he said. “This department has introduced me to the most caring, supportive people. I’ll miss it all.”
Article written by WHS Bradford Sports Editor Hannah Lee ‘25
