Clare Tinsman grew up singing around the piano at family gatherings and watching her sister dance through the studio windows. For Tinsman, involvement in music was never a question.
Tinsman is a triple threat: playing bassoon, singing in choir and dancing on the Pleasant Valley Platinum (PVP) dance team all four years of high school.
Tinsman enrolled in her first dance class at age 2, following in the footsteps of her older sister, Emily Tinsman. After a few years of dance, Tinsman began training at Above the Barre, her home studio for more than a decade of studio dance. There, she developed a passion for the sport and later found her voice through dance.
“I was always a very shy dancer and was the quietest one in the room. I was the girl in the back of the class with the glasses and the curly hair, and that was my reputation. I was the well-behaved, responsible girl. Sometimes that was nice because I could always be someone they could count on, but other times I felt overshadowed. But, more recently I think I’ve found my voice,” said Tinsman.
Tinsman breaking out of her shell provides the leadership PVP needs as they look for another state title. As a four-year varsity dancer, she has led the team to the state championship title each year, winning the jazz and pom team state championships this past year.
As a studio dancer, Tinsman has been an integral part of routines and received countless accolades in the dance world.
Recently, Tinsman was selected as Senior Runner-Up Artist of the Year at the Platinum Dance Competition, won two national titles with her team in Orlando, won the national title in Senior Advanced Improvisation and her Revolution Elite competition team was nominated to represent the Best Musical Theater Performance from the Masquerade dance competition. In this number, “We Both Reached for the Gun,” Tinsman played the principal role.
Tinsman’s studio and PVP teammate, Addie Speidel reflected on what it is like having Tinsman as a teammate. “Clare is not only one of the most talented people I know, but the most humble, kind, genuine, and inspiring girl I have ever met. She leads with confidence and grace, and even though she is only a grade above me, I admire her ability to care for others so much,” said Speidel.
Tinsman has and will continue to give her all to the dance world, hoping to continue dancing after high school.
Dance is only one of Tinsman’s many talents; she is also a remarkable musician.
During Tinsman’s sophomore year, she decided to audition for the All-State Band on bassoon. The process to make the All-State Band requires intensive individual preparation including a solo, several etudes and all 12 major scales.
Because of her preparation and skill, Tinsman was selected as one of 12 bassoons to make the band.
As a junior, Tinsman decided to take a different route—auditioning for the All-State Chorus. This experience was out of Tinsman’s comfort zone. “I didn’t like to sing by myself in front of people. Whenever I’m home practicing, I tell my parents to watch TV or do something else. During All-State, you have to know your part and notes because you’re the only person singing them,” said Tinsman.
This decision paid off for Tinsman as she and the three other members of her quartet, Alene Keppy, Zack Guest and Mason Neil, all made the 2023 All-State Chorus.
After making the honor choir, vocal music director Meg Byrne always recommends her students send an audition in for any solos within the repertoire. In the 2023 All-State chorus, there were eight soloists selected to perform solos in the classical piece “Regina Coeli.”
Tinsman sent in a recording not expecting to be chosen, but she received a text from Byrne that she and Keppy were finalists for the solos. As a finalist, Tinsman sang for a judge, faced away from them and was referred to by number to remove any bias. Clare, given the number two, remembered her name consistently being called. Soon after, the results were announced, and Tinsman was selected as one of eight soloists, chosen from the best 100 vocalists in Iowa.
Tinsman remembered the other choir members rallying around her, and Byrne remembered the impact this had on the other vocalists going into the concert.
“[Clare] receiving the solo at the All-State choir fired all other students at All-State up for her, and it was really fun for them being able to tell others, ‘Hey, that soloist is from my school,’” said Byrne.
Tinsman’s commitment has made her one of the most accomplished members of her choir and dance studio, and her kind-spirit has made her beloved amongst teammates, teachers and students.
