CMW Senior Spotlight: Heather
Today we turn the senior spotlight on Heather, violin student and member of Phase III. She shares some fond memories of CMW and some of her plans for the future. We’ll be checking in with all our graduating seniors during the countdown to the end of the season. If you missed the first Senior Spotlight installment with fellow senior and violin student Alana, you can find it here. What’s next for you? I’ll be starting as a student at Brown University in the fall! So far I’m thinking about majoring in either neuroscience or public policy, eventually leading to pre-med or pre-law. I am looking forward to exploring and finding areas that interest me the most. Can you tell us your favorite CMW Memory? There are three CMW memories that stand out to me. I remember a workshop at the William Dabate Elementary School with a group known as Caravan Serai featuring Pakistani singer, Arif Lohar. The music was amazing to jam to. Many of us in the audience were invited to go up and dance with them. I could feel the adrenaline rushing as the audience was clapping and cheering. It was a perfect combination of music, dance, and fun! Another favorite memory is when Alana and I organized a Michael Jackson tribute in June a year after his death. We dressed in black and white, wore fedora hats, and performed songs such as “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Smooth Criminal.” Sebastian and a former fellow, Carole Bestvater, joined us. I also remember our “Happy Farmer” skit. I played the role of Robert Schumann and Alana played the role of Clara Schumann. According to the skit that we wrote for the song, a farmer (who was happily working in the fields) inspired Robert to write a piece. Carole Bestvater, acted as the Happy Farmer. (By the way, we used British accents to sound more sophisticated!)
What was your favorite performance experience? I loved playing the Bach Double Concerto this fall at the John Carter Brown Library with Alana and the rest of the CMW players. I’ve heard and loved the piece for so many years and never thought I would have the experience of performing it with my friend and the CMW staff. How will music be a part of your future? I plan to take private lessons and either participate in Brown’s Orchestra or Chamber Music Program. How has CMW shaped your life? Community MusicWorks has been an important part of life and has made me who I am today. Not only did I have the opportunity to learn how to play the violin and perform around Rhode Island, but I also met amazing people with whom I have formed long-lasting friendships. Community MusicWorks is like family. We are all united and help each other out. Since the age of seven, I learned from my peers and teachers. As I look back, I feel very fortunate to have been a CMW student and look forward to visiting from time to time.
Come support Heather and all of our graduating seniors in their final performances at the End-of-Year Gala! Tuesday, May 24 at 6pm |
