Break Through a Creative Lens: Artists Plan their Summers

Some students have already begun preparation for their art-filled summers. Pianist Edouard Ferragu ’28 will head to Poland to play with the Warsaw Philharmonic, an opportunity he earned through a competition. “I actually had to compete with the piece that I’m going to be playing with the Philharmonic,” he said, explaining that preparing for this opportunity required much effort. Ferragu will also attend the Music Academy of the West in California where he “will be playing a lot of chamber music.” He has begun to practice the pieces he will play at the Academy, adding “There’s a lot of preparation” to be done “before as it’s a lot of music, so it takes a long time to learn.” 

In addition to their preparation, students have thought about the specific ways in which they can utilize their summers most effectively and productively. Nia McKeithen ’26, who will attend the Kaleidoscope Vocal Academy at Yale University, aims not only to improve her “technique as a singer” but also learn how to “make more connections.” She believes “music is really about connections - both with the audience and the people around you.” 

Others will use their summer to prepare for future performances. Ally Reichart ’29, a member of the student-led band Blue Lemonade, said the group “might do some busking.” She said, “We’ve been trying to build up our repertoire so that if we are busking, we can take requests” and have more music “to reach for.” Additionally, Reichart revealed that members of the band will try to broaden their musical capabilities: “We’re trying to play more instruments. Now we’re having guitar, bass, drums, and singing in everything.” 

These opportunities also allow students to interact with a variety of experienced artists. McKeithen is eager to interact with her instructors: “One of the people who is in charge of the Academy actually works at the university that I’m going to be going to next fall.” McKeithen is “very excited to meet her ahead of time and see what her teaching style is like.” Ferragu will be able to work under the guidance of Jonathan Feldman, who is “a big chamber music professor.” Some students will also serve as artistic mentors. Molly Calderone ’27 will be involved with the Shubert Theater and Arts Summer Camp, “teaching art classes and theater classes” to younger children. Beyond simply learning “how to teach an arts class,” she is “also excited to help open up a space for kids to be more creative.”

In addition to learning from professionals, students hope to meet other artists with similar areas of interest. Lora Kenyon ’28 will attend the Ithaca College Summer Music Academy as a member of the vocal ensemble and is thrilled at the prospect of singing with her new peers. She shared, “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to get to work with other learning artists.” Kenyon recalled her fond memories of participating in Connecticut Music Educators Association ensembles, where she learned “that it’s really fun to get to work with a bunch of different people who you normally would not work with and make a performance with them.” McKeithen echoed this idea, hoping that “getting to meet all of these different singers with different backgrounds and different histories and learning from them will be a valuable experience.’

While the promise of sunnier days and warmer weather pushes many students to explore outdoorsy and athletic opportunities, Hopkins artists have packed their months off from school with artistic endeavors. Eagerly anticipating her summer of art, Kenyon shared this sentiment encapsulating her excitement: “I can’t wait to pursue my passion for the arts in new ways this summer!”