I also want to combine multi-media with Bolo. Over the summer a few years ago, there was a trombone player who played with Empire Brass. During the recital, there was a light shining on him and the pianist. At the same time there was a screen portraying images that were social and political. I’m also planning to be homeless for a day in Manhattan and tape it and use that as well.

CONTEMPORARY IDEAS
Coming from South Carolina, which is rooted in tradition and the old ways, I never really got introduced to contemporary music until I came here. It was almost unapproachable where I came from, as if you could only play Mozart and nothing else. I did Contemporary Ensemble my first semester here and was at Julliard one night watching a concert. I just sat there listening to these crazy notes coming out of nowhere! But in that moment, I gave it a chance, the contemporary stuff. And this one show opened me up completely
My classes have been progressive, too. I’m double-majoring in Clarinet Performance and Arts Management while minoring in Global Black Studies. I always value a diverse education. My parents and I agreed that I should have experience in a different field just in case I can’t make ends meet as a musician, or I’m unable to physically play due to injury. I chose Arts Management because I figured that if I can’t perform, then I could be involved with the business aspect and still be connected to the music industry.
I decided on a Global Black Studies minor to further enhance my studies. I was pretty surprised by some of the information I learned in my GBS class this year, especially African History. The course centered on the continent’s history, current events in Africa with other nations, and theories of evolution, the most substantial being the idea that we all (human life) originated in Africa.
Sometimes it can be stressful, though. Night classes are tough because on many nights there are concerts in which I am participating. I also take around 30 credits each semester.

MUSIC CONSERVATORY
The conservatory has been enlightening. I’ve improved tremendously with my current teacher, Ayako Oshima, and even won the Purchase Conservatory Concerto Competition this year as a freshman. This semester I was in a chamber group with all graduate students, and we played “The Quartet for the End of Time” by Oliver Messiaen, one of the most difficult pieces for clarinet and ensemble.
I must say that the conservatory students here are very open to conversation, debate, and exchanging ideas. We go the city a lot together. How could you not as a musician! There’s always a concert to attend. Carnegie Hall. Symphony Space. Lincoln Center. Sometimes the best concerts are musicians beginning their solo careers in small, random concert spaces. It’s only a quick train ride to Grand Central. It’s also great to see colleagues and friends perform at Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music. I’m even applying for a youth orchestra, and getting involved with the Manhattan division of the NAACP.