Faces of the Valley: Burrell student sings and writes her way into WYEP’s Reimagination Project

Burrell High School freshman Elliana Koulouris is one of 13 teens selected for WYEP’s Reimagination Project, which will highlight the recording of one of her songs.

The local radio station asked applicants to submit songs and videos of themselves.

“The selection committee found Elliana to be a talented singer with a great attitude,” said Greg Joseph, a band member of The Clarks and executive producer for the WYEP Reimagination Project.

“The bonus was that she had a catalog of original material,” he said.

As part of the program, Elliana will take master classes in songwriting, record labels, airplay, marketing, social media and booking, Joseph said.

In addition to the recording experience, some of the musicians will have a chance to play at local summer festivals.

In its ninth year, the Reimagination Project has produced some artists who went on to become full-time musicians in Nashville, won Grammys and landed record deals.

Elliana, 15, said she wants to take advantage of the opportunity and see where it takes her.

“It’s exciting for me to be moving forward with this,” she said. “Music is something I’m very passionate about.”

In addition to being a singer and songwriter, Elliana plays the piano, guitar and ukulele.

“Her material is largely relevant to social and emotional issues of teens, but her intuitive candor speaks to people where they are, at any age,” said Alle-Kiski Valley jazz singer Erin Burkett.

Elliana describes her musical style as indie and said it is influenced by her mother, Wendy, who is a singer.

“Growing up, I’ve been around live music for a while,” Elliana said.

Elliana’s mother is one of three regional women who sing harmony for the Sweet Judys band, which covers Crosby, Stills and Nash songs and more.

In addition to participating in the Reimagination Project, Elliana will keep writing and working on her music. For updates and to learn more, visit her TikTok site, el.is.me.

Elliana is set to perform an acoustic set for the Plum Borough Community Library on April 6.

If that isn’t enough, she runs on Burrell’s track team and plays basketball.

Wendy Koulouris said WYEP’s program is a good fit for her daughter. She is also appreciative of Burrell’s music and art programs.

“Being a lifelong singer myself, the program has grown so much since I was a student at Burrell,” Wendy Koulouris said.

“There are so many talented kids in the district, and it’s a joy to watch them learn and grow each year.”