Raising the bar: Brookfield teen musician enjoyed a banner year

Nora Collins likes to set the bar high.

That's why when this publication featured this Brookfield teenager in the "Someone You Should Know" section in the fall of 2010, one could tell she was only beginning to scratch the surface.

At that time, she had put out one CD, was starting to perform at area venues and was just beginning to make public appearances.

Since then, the now-rapidly rising 17-year-old singer's popularity has skyrocketed.

"I have high standards for myself," said Collins, a senior at Brookfield East. "I'm going to keep working and see how far I can go."

She's already gotten pretty far, which is what happens when you put out a second CD before turning 18, when you travel the country to create your image and brand, when you increase your schedule to play at venues on a weekly basis and when you hit the morning TV talk shows.

"I love it," said the genuine, down-to-earth Collins. "I love to perform, and I like to share my music with others. It's pretty cool."

Collins said she's always been determined to succeed but has become more confident in herself in 2011.

She's recently displayed this confidence for all to see.

Collins was on The Morning Blend talk show on TMJ4 two weeks ago and then a day later, she was a judge for the "Milwaukee's Got Talent" competition as part of Winterfest at the Frontier Airlines Center. She also got to show off her award-winning singing voice at Winterfest on Dec. 29.

In the past year, Collins has used her music in ways that go beyond entertaining a crowd.

Her music, along with 14 other Wisconsin musicians' songs, are part of a CD, "There's A Drought," where all the proceeds go to help drought and famine victims in the Horn of Africa, which has been described as the worst drought in 60 years.

"It means a lot to me," she said about being affiliated with such good causes. "I'm just happy to help those in need."

Collins found time to take part in East's school musical "Grease" and played Sandy.

After the musical, she then traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to improve her singing abilities.

"This has been a very exciting and busy year," she said. "I've just been really blessed and am excited for 2012."

Just the facts

NAME: Nora Collins

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Put out two CDs, won the Texaco Country Showdown Wisconsin State title and is a Wisconsin Area Music Industry Rising Star nominee and won the WAMI CD Roulette competition, which means she will get a headlining gig at Summerfest or Bastille Days in 2012.

WEBSITE: NoraCollins.com