Hometown: Kenosha, WI
Major: Viola Performance
Degree: B.M.
Class: 2013
Current Teacher: Martha Katz
How did you become interested in NEC and why did you choose to study at NEC?
"When I was going into my junior year of high school I transferred to Interlochen HS. While I was there, colleges and conservatories from all over the country would come to visit. We were lucky to get exposed to so many schools and I knew a lot of really talented kids who ended up at NEC. I came to Boston to take a tour of the school and had some friends give me the insider’s view of NEC. Between those experiences and the amazing faculty, including my teacher Martha Katz, NEC seemed like the right choice."
What do you like about your program/major, and what do you like about NEC?
“I really like that there are so many performance opportunities. Between orchestra, chamber music, studio class and recitals there are always chances to perform at NEC.”
What do you like about Boston?
“Coming from a small town I really like that there’s a lot going on in Boston. Probably my favorite thing to do would be going to Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts. Also, there are tons of places to eat, shop and check out. Sometimes I just like to walk around Boston to experience the city. Another thing I really like to do is check up on my friends from Interlochen who go to other schools in the area. I’ll check out jazz shows in Cambridge, go to concerts at other schools and meet up with people all over town.”
Can you think of a particular moment or experience at NEC that was memorable?
“Over the course of this year I’ve enjoyed going to other student’s senior recitals. It’s been fun and inspiring watching my friends and fellow violists grow musically during their time at NEC. Experiences like this have made me reflect on my musical growth and have provided me with a sense of inspiration. I can only hope that when my recital comes younger musicians will feel the same about me.”
Which of your Liberal Arts courses did you find most engaging and why?
“In the second semester of my Freshman year I took Mr. Klein’s “Ecology” course. Mr. Klein is a wonderful teacher/lecturer and helped me to look at Ecology in new ways. When I was in high school I took an ecology class which focused on a scientific approach to the subject. In my NEC course we looked at ecology from a historical and literary perspective. This is typical of many liberal arts courses which break down subjects into their historical, literary and social significance.”
What are your plans/goals after NEC?
“After NEC I’d like to pursue a Master's degree (maybe here or another conservatory/school of music). For the most part I haven’t really decided between going straight into the orchestral world or freelance performance. Hopefully two more years of study will give me a chance to think about my next steps and get more absorbed into chamber music.”
How has NEC affected you?
“My experience at NEC has definitely affected me! When I first arrived I felt out of my comfort zone because I was far from home and in a large city. That was one of the driving factors in my decision to move to Boston and attend NEC. I felt that this was the time to be out of my comfort zone and use these new experiences as part of my musical development. Now I feel more mature and outgoing both musically and personally as a result.”
What do you do outside of class?
“I enjoy going to concerts at NEC, the BSO or other colleges around Boston. I love eating out! I like to experiment with food; there are tons of restaurants and types of food which we didn’t have in Wisconsin. Sometimes I just enjoy walking around the city, sitting at the Boston Commons or catching a movie here and there.”
2011-12-21
SARAH VAUGHAN