To better explain I have to take you back to January when I was asked to perform with a handful of YoungArts alumni to create a show for the 2010 Arts Week in Miami. We put together an interdisciplinary show that utilized everyone's diverse artistic ability, along with a willingness to collaborate, creating a fresh and purely artistic show. Because of Mr. Baryshnikov's involvement in the organization, he was present at the show and Gala immediately after. Much to my surprise he sought me out, giving me very flattering and genuine feedback. A short time later he contacted me to arrange a performance this fall at an arts festival in Sarasota. I was blown away to receive so much support from someone with such notoriety. Even my Mom knows who he is! A few weeks ago I was even more surprised to receive a request to perform at the Louis Vuitton event in NYC. Initially I was heartbroken, because I knew that I was being invited primarily because I attend school in Manhattan. Since it is summer, I was at my family’s home in Portland, Oregon. I was sure that my email reply back would get a simple, "Oh, that's too bad you're not in town. Maybe next time!” His team thought we should still try to make it work, so the next day I made the arrangements to get a plane ticket, and prepare a small set list for the party's after dinner entertainment.

My short trip east was nothing but thrilling. The store on 5th Avenue was beautiful and spacious, and we were treated like stars. I was adorned in one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen, I tried a frog leg, and even got to pre-game in a luxurious VIP room on the top floor. Our performance was well received, and Mr. Baryshnikov was fantastically enthusiastic and sweet.

YoungArts has been nothing short of incredible to me. Each opportunity they provide gives me more confidence and drive to do what I do. Then, through them, more opportunities appear. YoungArts is essentially my second family. They look out for me, find new opportunities, and make sure to help me become the best artist that I can be.

Keep reading  Post a comment

I started out my day with a cup of coffee, and coincidentally, two of my most difficult finals. While I normally would have been extremely exhausted after having such a full day, my adrenaline was flowing and my band mates and I could feel the excitement in the air. By the time we set foot on the Blue Note stage, we were all dressed and eager to play. It was bewildering to find myself a featured artist performing on a stage that I had only dreamed of.

The performance went very well and all of the hard work we put into preparing our set paid off. I was so happy to have that opportunity and I hope I get to play at The Blue Note again in the future.

Keep reading  Post a comment

I joined a handful of the organization's alumni as we were asked to put on an interdisciplinary show as a part of NFAA’s yearly gala. This involved every artist collaborating with someone who’s creative outlet was very different from their own. Though it was a challenge, the show turned out to be a really remarkable project for all of us.

It’s an honor to be a part of the NFAA family.

This is a photo taken at the Gala with dance legends, Mikhail      Baryshnikov, and Desmond Richardson.

Keep reading  Post a comment

Keep reading  Post a comment

Keep reading  Post a comment

Just last week I played with my school’s Jazz Philharmonic at Dizzy’s, a club in Lincoln Center. We played a piece called Sketches of Spain, a work that defies genre, and was originally done by Miles Davis and Gil Evans. We had the pleasure of collaborating with jazz greats Dave Liebman and Vic Juris. This show was an amazing experience to rehearse, and it was great to play with such capable musicians, let alone play in a fabulous venue. This is a photo that I took from where I was standing to play the bass during our sound check. It was even more beautiful at night!

Keep reading  Post a comment

Keep reading  Post a comment

Classes and ensembles have kept me very busy, but I'm completely enjoying myself and constantly being inspired.

Keep reading  Post a comment

Yesterday my friends and I thought it would be fun to go to Times Square and jump in as many tourist pictures as possible. Who knows how many photos we ended up in, and how many slideshows we'll be adorning on walls all over the world. Only we, and now you know we were even trying!

Why a picture with Elmo? This unofficial guy was begging for money and wasn't doing a very good job portraying the usually happy character. So, he'll be known as "Grouchy Elmo" to us from now on. And no...no money for him!

Keep reading  Post a comment

Yesterday I had to take my recovered and repaired bass from the downtown bass shop to my uptown school...all the way on the subway! I suppose it has happened many times before, but you can imagine the looks I got lifting it over the turnstile and rolling it onto the train car.

The food has been great all around town (much to the dismay of my wallet and comparisons to the school meal plan), and all and all, I have been having too much fun (it is Orientation Week still). Before the week is out I hope to actually use the laundry I have cleaned, hung and folded, and go see a live show!

Keep reading  Post a comment