Christmas Break!

Over Christmas break I spent my time in North Carolina and New Jersey visiting family and friends! While in North Carolina I had the opportunity to speak to three different chorus classes at Walter M. Williams High School in Burlinton, NC. I spoke to the students about their options in the music industry and what being a "music major" is all about. It is so interesting to me how so many of the students think that all you can do is "be a singer." They don't have any knowledge of music theory, music therapy, musicology, music technology, music business, library sciences with a concentration on music, conducting, composition, or music publishing. I think it would be great to travel to more high school music classes and talk to them about other options outside of music performance and music education. This keeps the love of music alive and fresh!

While in North Carolina I gave two concerts. The first was at The Village of Brookwood - a retirement center in Burlington, NC. I sang and my boyfriend - a very accomplished pianist - accompanied me and played some solo pieces himself. The residents loved our concert because we did a mixture of both classical music as well as holiday selections. The best part of the concert was that it was broadcast on the facility's TV station so those residents who are immobile and unable to get around easily were able to tune in and watch it from the comfort of their rooms! It was a really fun concert and it was wonderful to hear the positive feedback about the joy and emotions our music brought to the residents. Just another example of the power of music! The second concert was a duplicate of the first but performed at Alamance Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC. I have a very strong friendship/relationship with one member of the church who was my scholarship donor at my undergraduate. It was wonderful to see him again and share my music and talents with the people most close to him.

When I went to New Jersey I had the opportunity to give a one hour presentation at Holy Family Catholic School. This school is special and important to me 1) because my mom is a seventh grade teacher there and 2) Miss America goes to speak there almost every year! The entire school was there from Pre-K to eighth grade! This really made me stretch my abilities to keep every age group engaged for a whole hour! I performed a few songs for the students and we talked about the benefits of music, overcoming adversity, and following your dreams. After the presentation I received so many wonderful comments from teachers saying that they have not seen their students so engaged in a very long time. It is really nice to know that I captivated the students just as much as Miss America! I was also told that for DAYS after my presentation the students couldn't stop talking about! It is wonderful to know that I am making a difference and getting a message across!