When thinking back to how I came into the arts, I can’t remember whether dance or music came first. What I do remember is that I’ve been involved in the arts since a very young age. While I tap danced, sang, read monologues, taught myself piano, and dabbled in percussion ensembles, playing the violin was what came naturally to me. Since picking up the violin for the first time at age five, I eventually performed as a finalist in the Bolz Young Artist Concerto Competition, and served as the University of Wisconsin – Madison Symphony Orchestra concertmaster.
While the memories I made from performing will stay with me forever, I have always been multifaceted. In high school, I was known as both the violinist and the four-year varsity tennis player. In college, I targeted a Bachelor of Science degree in Music and Psychology, again two seemingly different subjects. And as my senior year of college was ending, I knew that I had to reflect on my past and decide what I would do in the future. However, this proved difficult as I am interested in and enjoy doing various things.
As I discussed post-graduation plans with my friends and professors, the Bolz Center program was recommended. I had two friends who were currently in the program, and my professors in the School of Music wanted me to continue to play in orchestras in Madison. I was easily convinced after speaking to the wonderful Rebecca Buckman, as she told me that I would still be able to pursue my creative passions while completing the program. This made me realize that being a performer AND an administrator was in the cards for me.
Being a Bolzie has felt like a full-circle experience. As I mentioned, I was in the Final Forte, the final round of a concerto competition funded/sponsored by the Bolz family. In fact, if you look this competition up online, you will see pictures of me in various blue dresses on the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s website. Furthermore, I am the current Development and Communications Associate at the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO). Being a part of the administrative staff for this organization feels comforting, as I was a WYSO student for eight years. I am utterly grateful for the memories I have made and the tools I have learned in the Bolz Center for Arts Administration thus far.
Looking forward, I hope to work for a Symphony Orchestra. Specifically, I would love to be an artistic administrator, regularly working with artistic and administrative staff. While I don’t know where I’d like to end up, Madison will always be home to me. Ultimately, this city has given me countless memories as a musician, and I hope to always be one. Double Badger and Bolzie for life!
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