Thursday, May 31, 2018

Special PMAC Spotlight: The PMAC Graduating Class of 2018

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2018!


As another year passes, we congratulate the many seniors who are graduating this June. They all have been active members of our PMAC community - participating in art classes, lessons, ensembles and more. Katie Grazier, our Director of Admissions, asked this year’s seniors to share their future plans and what a community arts education has meant to them.


Sophie
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
I've been in the Saturday Teen Jazz Ensemble for 5 years (starting in 8th grade). I also did the Wednesday Teen Jazz Band for a semester when I was a sophomore. I was also a part of the Summer Teen Jazz Camp in the Summer of 2013. 

Where are you headed this Fall?
I am going to Hampshire College, where you don't declare a major. My interests at this point are art, creative writing, environmental science, and education.

What does an arts education mean to you? 
Having an arts education has been the most important part of my learning. Practicing the arts (both music and visual art) has made me more creative and imaginative, and also more appreciative of other art. It has made me more confident because I'm proud of my accomplishments, and more disciplined because I care and want to improve. Art is my outlet- when I'm stressed or overwhelmed, art has a way of calming me down. An arts education takes a lot of work and practice, just like any other type of education, but it's also freeing. There is no "right" way to make music or draw, or paint. You have to find your own style, which also allows you to find out more about yourself.


Andrew D.
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Saturday Jazz Ensemble, Rock Band, Music Production and Guitar Lessons with Jim Dozet.

Where are you headed this Fall?
Berklee College of Music, with a focus on music production/ music industry

What does an arts education mean to you? 
An arts education is very important to me. Art is a form of expressing yourself in many different ways whether it is through music, visual art, poetry etc. Having the tools and education to further my ability to express myself through music means the world to me.


Meg
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
I have been studying Electric Bass with Nick Phaneuf for four years. I have also studied drum set with Mike Walsh and have been involved in the Teen Rock Band program.

Where are you headed this Fall?
I am going to be attending Skidmore College in the fall. I am planning to study gender and women’s studies as well as music.

What does an arts education mean to you? 
Having the opportunity to study at PMAC has been amazing. I’ve had wonderful mentors throughout the years who have helped me advance my knowledge in something I love. With their help I have become better acquainted with my instruments, allowing me to express myself. I chose to study at Skidmore College and further my path with music because of my time at PMAC.


Renzhong 
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Violin Lessons with Autumn Riley and Seacoast Youth Symphony Orchestra

Where are you headed this Fall?
Rochester Institute of Technology 

What does an arts education mean to you? 
Music and arts interest me, and it’s a passion of mine early on, I enjoy playing it, listening and watching different types of music and art.


Stuart
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Drum Lessons with Mike Walsh,  Accordion Lessons with Mike Effenberger, Summer Teen Jazz Camp, Experimental Jazz Band with Chris Klaxton

Where are you headed this Fall?
Carnegie Mellon, majoring in Physics

What does an arts education mean to you? 
Arts education is important to me because it has given me the tools to explore my passion for music. Playing music is the most fun thing I've ever done. Learning about different kind of music and how to play them has expanded the resources I have to jam out and have an awesome time playing.


Benson
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Violin Lessons with Melissa Caron and Seacoast Youth Orchestra 

Where are you headed this Fall?
University of New Hampshire with a focus possibly in chemical engineering, computer science, and or something in the medical field.

What does an arts education mean to you? 
Arts education is mainly a hobby for me and has helped me get through boring and stressful parts of my life. It also has the additional benefit of being a good skill to have in life.


Conall
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Drum Set Lessons with Mike Walsh, Piano Lessons with Jeff Auger, Teen Rock Band, Summer Teen Jazz Camp

Where are you headed this Fall?
American University, English Major

What does an arts education mean to you? 
The arts have always been a positive outlet for me, and PMAC has helped foster my musical education and in turn, enriched my life. I began playing with my teacher when I was seven, and ten years later I still look forward to coming and working with him every single week. Through music, I have been exposed to countless opportunities, and I have met so many talented and passionate people. It has also enhanced my scholastic education, and I now have the gift of a lifelong passion. Everyone I have met at PMAC, especially my teacher and friend Mike Walsh, have been integral parts of my life who I will never forget.


Sara
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Violin Lessons with Diane Tiezzi

Where are you headed this Fall?
Colby College

What does an arts education mean to you? 
To me, an arts education allows students to expand their experiences, while strengthening their ability to learn new things. Through my time with PMAC, I not only learned to play an instrument, but also was able to broaden my knowledge of the arts in general through workshops, and also overcome my fear of performing in front of others through recitals. This has translated to other aspects of my life, whether I am presenting in front of a class, or calling upon my knowledge of music for a school project. I believe that an arts education is a critical component of becoming a well-rounded and motivated student.


Oliver
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Double Bass Lessons with Steve Roy starting in the third grade.

Where are you headed this Fall?
I'll be joining the workforce for a year and explore my options before deciding whether to go on in school.

What does an arts education mean to you? 
My music education has enabled me to understand how music is made and performed.  Learning to play the double bass has led to me love different genres of music far beyond what is played on pop radio.


Andrew R.
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Piano Lessons with Mike Effenberger, Guitar Lessons with Nick Phaneuf

Where are you headed this Fall?
Tufts University majoring in History

What does an arts education mean to you? 
My arts education has given me the ability and the power to express myself with my full creativity. Through my study of piano and guitar, I have been able to channel the stresses of my everyday life into the music I play. The arts are so important to me because of the way they allow me to take the intangible ideas in my head and bring them to life with notes and chords.


Kate
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Private Violin Lessons with Lynne McMahon since second grade, last four studied at PMAC. Bow Street Youth Orchestra from 2008 to 2012. SYSO (Seacoast Youth Symphony Orchestra) Winter of 2017.

Where are you headed this Fall?
I am headed to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in the Fall. I plan to play lacrosse along with hopefully join an ensemble or orchestra within the school. I am also interested in exploring Piano during that time. I am undecided on what major to study but I will most likely study environmental science or sociology, concentrating in public health.

What does an arts education mean to you? 
An arts education in especially important to me because it has always been my outlet, along with my little secret. I have always been a sports girl, fulfilling three seasons of sports every year of high school. I had my violin lesson with Lynne and when I practiced to escape that side of my life, which brought balance to both of my hobbies. Along with that, not many people know I play the violin, so it is a surprising treat when people find out!  An arts education has also connected me with so many amazing people and will do so for the rest of my life. I am constantly surrounded by inspiring, hard-working characters, who excite me to dive into the art of Violin.


Sophia
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Piano Lessons with Adam MacDougall, Clarinet Lessons with Ginna Macdonald, Voice Lessons and Summer Art Camp

Where are you headed this Fall?
Colorado College

What does an arts education mean to you?
To me, an arts education means discovering the value of hard work and focus as well as broadening your mind and the ways in which you can communicate with the world.


Joshua
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Bow Street Youth Orchestra (now named SYSO - Seacoast Youth Symphony Orchestra)

Where are you headed this Fall?
University of Central Florida to study Mechanical Engineering

What does an arts education mean to you? 
I’ve learned confidence though studying my instrument and performing. With the support and encouragement from my teachers, I have overcome my self-doubts, gained confidence as a cellist, and learned that I can tackle life’s challenges with persistence and practice. Although my journey at times has been frightening, in the end, it has been a fantastic experience.


Mira
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Private Violin Lessons with Diane Tiezzi, Bow Street Youth Orchestra (now named SYSO - Seacoast Youth Symphony Orchestra)

Where are you headed this Fall?
I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Mathematical Economics.

What does an arts education mean to you? 
Playing the violin and viola for the past 14 years has opened me up to a multitude of opportunities. I have not only learned skills that improve my violin performance, but I have also learned skills that translate to my academics and other aspects of my life, including dedication, persistence, patience, collaboration, and attention to detail. My arts education has enabled me to develop friendships with other students who share a similar passion for music. I know the foundation in music that I have built over the past fourteen years will continue to open me up to more opportunities during and after college. The violin and viola will always be something I have as I transition into the next chapter of my education. I look forward to continuing to play in orchestras during and following my time at college.


Eli
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Drum Lessons with Mike Walsh, Teen Rock Camp with Nick Phaneuf and Chris Klaxton, Guitar Lessons with Nick Phaneuf, Music Theory and Piano with Eric Klaxton, and Piano with Jonny Peiffer

Where are you headed this Fall?
I am headed to Georgia Tech in Atlanta to study Music Technology 

What does an arts education mean to you? 
An arts education helped me learn how to understand and play music. Taking lessons motivated me to practice and that led to success. I met a group of people who play music and teachers who encouraged me to do my best. Without an arts education, I would never have known that I had a talent and a love for music. I’d like to thank my PMAC teachers, Mike, Nick, Chris, Eric, and Jonny, for helping me to become a better musician. Also, I’d like to thank Russ and Katie for all of their hard work. PMAC is a great place.


Brendan
What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?
Saxophone Lessons with Matt Langley, Saturday Teen Jazz Ensemble

Where are you headed this Fall?
University of New Hampshire 

What does an arts education mean to you? 
Having the opportunity to be taught in music by professionals, and perform with my peers has allowed me to become a much more skilled musician over the years, and for me to experience immense amounts of personal growth.


Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

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