Norton resident Tim Brown is 18 years old and is already making his goal of becoming a famous singer and piano player come true.

"Performing is something that always makes me happy. I know I want to perform the rest of my life and I know I will have to work extremely hard for that to happen," Brown said.

Music runs through Brown's blood. Not only are his cousins musical, but his father plays the trumpet. They have been very supportive in Brown going after his dream.

When most kids get in trouble and are sent to their room, they play with toys or watch television to pass the time. Brown would play songs by ear on the piano in his room.

From there, his parents signed him up for weekly piano lessons. He joined the choir in elementary school, but stopped once he reached middle school. Though he wasn't shy about playing the piano, he had to work hard to overcome his fear of singing in front of his peers.

"I was too embarrassed and afraid of what kids would say if they knew I liked to sing. I would sing around my friends sometimes and they would always tell me I needed to do something with my voice and start performing. Finally my parents and friends persuaded me to perform and start singing in front of people my junior year of high school," Brown said.

Now Brown is attending Rhode Island College studying music education.

Brown has performed at some of Norton High School's athletic events, talent shows, Memorial Day assemblies and other events, such as at Seekonk Speedway. He also happens to be working on a racecar for this coming summer to race there.

"I would have to say singing the national anthem at the Pawtucket Red Sox was one of my most memorable singing experience[s], but there have been many memorable experiences, and I know there will be more to come," Brown said.

The next venue Brown will be performing at is on the Norton Has Talent stage during First Night. Many of his family members are helping to organize the event, so Brown decided to join in once Norton Has Talent coordinator Beth McManus asked if he'd be interested.

"It will be very fun to perform for the event," Brown said. "I love performing and sharing my singing with as many people as I can. I know this will be a good chance for me to get myself out to people."

Like the rest of the acts Norton Patch has interviewed, Brown is looking forward to ringing in the New Year with family and friends and seeing the other show participants. And perhaps he will be an inspiration to the younger performers.

"The advice I would have for aspiring performers is never give up [and] work your hardest. Take as many performing opportunities as possible even if it's only singing in front of 15 to 20 people," Brown said. "And most of all good luck with what the future has to bring."

FUN BUT IRRELEVANT FACT:

When Brown isn't practicing or working on his racecar, he can be seen working at TGI Fridays in Mansfield or bowling at North Bowl Lanes in North Attleboro. He has bowled four perfect games and has an average of 224.