Poly alumnae Jordan Millar ’24 and Chase Behar ’20 sat down together and discussed life after Poly for the emerging artist and singer/songwriter. Stream her song, “Can’t Complain,” available now.

by Jordan Millar ’24

Chase Behar ’20 first came to Poly in Grade 6, after having attended a local public school in Manhattan. In Middle School, Behar had a strong interest in theater, and even had a lead role in the musical 13 during her Grade 8 year. Though she played the role of the dragon in Poly’s production of Shrek the year prior, Behar explained that being a part of 13 allowed her to experience acting while performing alongside her friends.

When it came time for Upper School, Behar stepped out of the spotlight to focus on her two primary areas of interest: dance and softball, under the mentorship of former Poly Softball Coach Mildred Piscopo, who played an instrumental role in both her athletic and personal development. Behar also found the time to pursue other activities, serving as a Spirit Captain, the President of the Anti-Animal Cruelty Club, and a member of Poly’s A Cappella group. 

“I was all over the place at Poly,” she recalled with a laugh. Behar explained that as a large campus school, students were encouraged to take advantage of the myriad extracurricular offerings. These were perfect opportunities to explore new interests and meet new people—and were a crucial part of her school experience. 

After graduating from Poly in 2020, Behar went on to pursue her undergraduate studies at Tulane University, where she majored in Communications and dual minored in Business and Real Estate.

Behar didn’t pursue the arts or music while in college because she didn’t see it as a feasible path or career choice. “I wasn’t involved with any of the creatives at Tulane. I honestly wish I took advantage of it more […]” she admitted.

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But in her senior year in college, Behar found her way back onto the stage. One day, a group of her friends booked a venue set at Tipitina’s, one of the most iconic jazz venues in New Orleans. In search of a singer, they asked Behar to perform. Though she anticipated only singing a handful of songs, the group did a set list of 20 and sold out the show. “It made me realize I shouldn’t have given up my passion for performing. I knew I loved to sing, but I enjoyed interacting with the crowd and the adrenaline rush of being on stage,” she said. 

She and her friends later formed their own band, performing at local venues throughout the city and music festivals like Tulane Crawfest. Being in a city as unique as New Orleans, known for live jazz, was also a strong influence in venturing back into music. Behar graduated early from Tulane in December 2023, allowing her to dedicate more time to pursuing music. She has since been traveling to and from Nashville, working with her mentor, co-writer, and friend Shane Stevens, a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, to write and record songs. Behar has also been working alongside her co-writers and producer Lauren and Solomun Olds while in Nashville.

Now with a blossoming music career, Behar still attributes her comfort on stage and her ability to interact with audiences to her involvement in Poly’s Arts program, from participating in school plays and musical theater productions to contributing to student choreography shows and performances at sporting events as a co-captain of the Dance Team alongside her friend Brittany Jones ’20 during her Grades 11 and 12 years. 

“Looking back, one of the main differences would be my confidence,” Behar explained while reflecting on her time at Poly. “I always felt very comfortable on stage as a Middle School student, but as you grow older and more sure of yourself and your talent, it becomes easier to step on stage and engage with the audience and really create a prominent stage presence,” she added. 

After signing with BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) earlier last year and being featured in Flaunt Magazine, Behar released her first single “Can’t Complain” on June 28, 2024. She is influenced by legendary women-artists who have inspired countless music lovers with their voices and talent–greats like Amy Winehouse, Jasmine Sullivan, SZA, and Christina Aguilera. “We’re navigating and trying to figure out what my exact sound is, and we’re doing a really good job of making all the songs align cohesively, which is great—a lot of really exciting things ahead!” Behar said. 

Behar now looks forward to networking, taking sessions with new song writers, public performances like her debut at BMI’s Acoustic Lounge at Rockwood Music Hall, and releasing an EP. Watch “Can’t Complain,” below.