So a lot has changed since that last post. While the world continues to be mostly on hold due to the pandemic, I've been pretty busy:
In August I music directed and orchestrated the University of Michigan MT Class of 2021's Senior Entrance. It was a blast working on something with such tradition and following behind it, and the team who wrote it was fantastic. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/WCSlMckFEdM
In September I orchestrated and music directed an alumni fundraiser concert for MUSKET in collaboration with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. You can read the review in The Michigan Daily here: https://www.michigandaily.com/section/arts/%E2%80%98musket%E2%80%99s-alumni-concert%E2%80%99-evokes-traditional-charm
What I've been most excited for, and what has been going very well so far, is music directing BRIGHT STAR for MUSKET! We're doing a filmed, socially distanced/COVID-19 safe, production shot all over Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. The production and creative teams have been fantastic to work with, the cast has been killer, and I can't wait to share the final product! In the meantime, check out MUSKET's website for more details: ummusket.org/bright-star
In general, coursework has been going well; I've been taking a lot of musicology, jazz theory, and performing arts technology courses as well as voice lessons, trumpet lessons, and piano lessons. This past year I also started studying composition with Lynne Shankel! One of the highlights of the last semester was writing a 40-minute Zoom musical for Professor Shankel's class where we got to work with orchestrator August Eriksmoen. He orchestrated the finale of our piece and watching it come to life was incredible. I was the music liaison between the writing team and August, and getting to know him and see his process was invaluable.
In general, I've made the best I could of the pandemic and will continue to hone my craft in whatever way I can. In the meantime, keep wearing a mask, get your vaccine, and let's back to the stage!