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!

A Conversation with PMAC's Executive Director, Russ Grazier, about the upcoming Jazz Night!

How many years have you been doing Jazz Night? How has it evolved?

Grazier: This is our eleventh year and remarkably, the program has been fairly consistent over that time. It is a very special, curated concert that features the faculty of PMAC's Jazz Institute. It has grown over the past decade from single night concerts at West End Studio Theater to a two-night festival at the larger Music Hall Loft. And though we've been in a larger space at The Loft for the past six or seven years, the concert is still very intimate, with some cabaret seating right up front with the band and never a bad seat in the house. 

What do you like most about Jazz Night? 

Grazier: I love that our faculty comes together to present orchestrated arrangements that require rehearsal and really show of the talents of each musician. This is not your typical jazz show. It features many original arrangements and often unusual, but really wonderful music. We get to play things that we don't typically perform and it's incredibly special. 

Why East Coast/West Coast? How did you come up with the theme? 

Grazier: We've been programming themes for a few years now and East Coast / West Coast provides a wonderful contrast for the two evenings, without being too restrictive. There are many ways we interpret the idea of the opposite coasts in America - you'll have to come out to the concert to hear them! 

Who is your biggest Jazz influence? 

Grazier: I have many influences, so probably better to give you my big three: Oscar Peterson, John Zorn, and Charlie Parker. Three incredibly different musicians, one pianist and two alto saxophonists. I've had the pleasure of seeing Peterson and Zorn live, but unfortunately was born 13 years too late to ever see Parker. Each has a unique approach to jazz, and though I don't really play like any of them, I find their music to be incredibly inspiring. That said, I'm continually influenced by different musicians, and really need to give credit to our faculty, who inspire me every day.

What can the audience expect when attending one or both of the concerts? 

Grazier: A carefully curated, but heavily improvised night of live jazz music that takes you on a journey. We constantly shake up the combinations of musicians and styles of jazz. It's very similar to going to a NYC jazz club show - a 75-minute set that showcases the talents of each musician. 

What music are you listening to these days? 

Gazier: I listen a lot of WGBO via web streaming - it's a jazz station out of Newark, NJ, possibly the best in the country. I learn about new artists every day listening to that station. I'm also really into Ambrose Akinsusire, Chris Potter, David Binney, Marco Benevento, and Terence Blanchard these days.

For the eleventh straight year, PMAC (Portsmouth Music and Arts Center) will present JAZZ NIGHT, a series of curated concerts featuring the faculty of PMAC's Jazz Institute. Join many of the region’s top jazz musicians for this exploration of America's greatest original art form at the Music Hall Loft in Portsmouth, NH. The concerts will take place on Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17, two shows each night, 7pm & 9pm. Tickets can be purchased at themusichall.org or by calling 603-436-2400.

Special PMAC Spotlight: The Graduating Class of 2016

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2016!

As another year passes, we congratulate the many seniors who have spent time making music and art with us over the years. Some have been with us since they were in kindergarten, some have come on later but all have been impacted by the arts.

We asked this year's seniors to share their stories, including their future plans are and why they believe a community arts education is important. 

BEN

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I currently take private lessons with Jim Dozet.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: The arts, specifically music, and even more specifically jazz, are a massive part of my life.  I've loved music my entire life.  I honestly can't remember when my first music lesson was.  It might have been piano around the age of 3.  Had I not been introduced to music at a young age, I most certainly would not be where I am now.  I believe that fine arts should be present in everyone's lives.  Through the arts, we learn to express ourselves creatively.  This is such an important skill in life, to be able to speak, not just verbally, but also through art, music, theater, and dance.  I have stuck with music for my entire life, and I plan to continue.  I’ve been honored to be around supportive people and talented mentors who have guided me through my musical endeavors.  A fine arts education can truly be life-changing.

What are your plans for next year?:  I will be attending New York University next year, majoring in Jazz Studies/Performance and minoring in Political Science.  I am so thrilled to have been accepted into such a competitive program, and am looking forward to studying with the likes of Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Mark Turner, Adam Rogers, Chris Potter, and Stefon Harris, among others.

CAMMIE

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?:  I took voice lessons with Taylor O’Donnell for around 4 years, (8th grade-Junior year). We usually did ½ hour sessions and worked on expanding my vocal range, specifically my middle mix voice. Taylor is not only my teacher, but also my friends. I look up to her more than anyone else in my life and she truly is the best role model and teacher I could have ever asked for. She has not only taught me vocal techniques, but has also helped me emotionally and spiritually. Taylor is an incredible woman and I am so lucky to have had her as a teacher.

I also really loved the A Cappella camp she ran for a year during the summer of my freshman year. It was super fun to choose songs we wanted and work with kids my age while having Taylor there to encourage and help us the whole way through. I specifically loved the warm up sessions she had us do; one person would start on a random note of their choice and we would go around the circle, each person adding a different note onto the previous ones. It always ended up sounding beautiful and was a relaxing way to start the session.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: An arts education should be apart of every person’s life no matter the age or level of experience. For me, the arts, specifically in music, have helped me heal from a lot of rough patches through my life and made me feel confident in myself. Music and practicing can be so frustrating, but once I could nail something I was working on, I felt so accomplished and proud of myself. Music is always my fall back when I have a hard day at school or something in my life isn’t going as planned. I always looked forward to Wednesday’s to have that 30 minutes away from everything else happening in my life and completely immerse myself in music and happiness. PMAC in a lot of ways was my safe place and helped me grow in more ways than just musical improvement.

What are your plans for next year?: It’s extremely scary but also exciting to announce that I will be attending Simmons College in Boston, MA. I will be a Neuroscience and Behavioral Studies Major on the Pre-Med track. I also have plans to join their A Cappella group called The Sirens. Music will always have a special place in my heart and I’m so grateful for Taylor and all she has taught me.

CHARLIE

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?:  I started doing the PMAC summer Jazz camps when I was in 7th grade, I joined Matt Langley’s Saturday Jazz Band in High School, and I’ve taken trumpet lessons with Chris Klaxton. I also did a youth/adult Brass Ensemble with my sister this winter.

 

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: Victor Hugo said, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." As a student of both writing and foreign languages, I've often found myself tasked with conveying the ineffable. Throwing down my Thoreau and my Nouveau Bescherelle, I reach instead for my trumpet. If there is anything magical in this world, it's the human mind's response to music. I've sung protest songs with French teenagers on a Paris city bus. I've collected musical instruments to be sent to the developing world. I've played for young painters, and shared the stage with avant-garde trombonist Curtis Hasselbring. To each place I've traveled, whether in the Seacoast or abroad, I've brought music, forged in me by the arts educators who have seared their sacred brand into my life. Though I'm off next year to college, to be re-yoked to my Bescherelle and my Thoreau, I have no doubt that music will carry me to places yet unknown. It is for this spirit unlocked in me that I have to thank my arts educators, at PMAC, at Berwick, at Oyster River, and those who wait in the uncharted future.

What are your plans for next year?:  I will be attending University of Rochester (in New York State), where I’ll major in International Relations and continue to play in Jazz Bands.

DEREK

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I am currently a member of the Bow Street Youth Ensemble! I am a first violin, and it is actually my first semester with this orchestra. I have, however, played with PMAC before; I played with the junior ensemble for two years in third and fourth grade. I was able to see Joshua Bell through Bow Street, which was my very first time seeing a classical player live. I was also able to participate in the 25th anniversary alumni concert last summer.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: An arts education to me is a way of learning so many different things: history, culture, expression, etc. Learning to play music has taught me about people I would never have learned about otherwise. It has given an appreciation for complexity, and has given an avenue to express my emotions in both a formal as well as a more independent way. To me, this is the goal of any education in arts.

What are your plans for next year?:  Next year, I will be attending the University of Rhode Island as a dual Chinese and Communications major, with a minor in French. I have been accepted into the Chinese Language Flagship, a five-year national program based around superior fluency. I will spend up to a year in China as a result, studying and working in an internship. I love languages, and hope to use them in my career once I graduate. I do not know what I want to do, but with my programs of study, I know that the options are not limited!

EVAN K.

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I took lessons at PMAC for many years, and played in the first youth rock band with Chris Weisman. Later I moved to the youth jazz band with Matt Langley, where he introduced me to jazz. I absolutely loved doing the awesome sweaty summer camps all those years. The lessons I learned and music I played there will be with me for a long time.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: To me, an arts education is a hugely important part of one's development. Focus on the arts for me opened my mind to new musical experiences and challenges in my emotional and musical lives. All the incredible mentors I've had through PMAC and elsewhere have taught me about how to be a better musician, but more importantly a better person.      

What are your plans for next year?:  I am really excited to attend The Berklee College of Music next year. My current teacher, Jackie Santos, is a professor there and I am really excited to continue working with him. It is a big step for me, but I am prepared and excited to continue my journey. I wouldn't be where I am today without the excellent steppingstone into music that PMAC was for me. 

EVAN O.

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I study guitar with Nick Phaneuf and it has always been a great part of my week.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?:  An arts education means a huge amount to me, I have played piano since I was little and I care about music so much.  An arts education has definitely impacted my life for the better as it has jumpstarted my love of music.

What are your plans for next year?:  My plan for college is I am going to the University of Denver to study business, however I will most definitely continue my pursuit of music.

GRADY

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I currently participate in Bow Street Youth Orchestra. 

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: Arts education is vital for the success of future generations. I am incredibly fortunate to have learned music skills that are applicable across different instruments, genres and ideas. Music has helped me to form some of my most rewarding friendships. I am very thankful for these opportunities.

What are your plans for next year?: Next year I plan to attend Emerson College to major in Political Communications.

HANNAH

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I am currently part of the Bow Street Youth Orchestra as a part of the viola section.  I have been part of Bow Street since I was in 6th grade and have participated in the orchestra every semester. I study viola with Augusto Salazar, who is also the Director of the Bow Street Youth Orchestra.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: To me an education in art provides kids with another outlet to help deal with what life throws at you. Playing and listening to music helps me distress; it give a place where I can put my energy.  I honestly don’t know who I would be if being part of a musical group was not a part of my life. 

What are your plans for next year?: Next year I am planning to go to Smith College to major in biology.  When I get there I am going to run track and hopefully be part of the orchestra there.  I am extremely excited for the next part of my life to finally start.

IZZY

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I have been taking violin lessons with Diane Tiezzi since I was seven years old. I took guitar lessons with Bryan Killough for a time when I was younger. For several years, I participated in Bow Street Junior Ensemble and Bow Street Youth Orchestra. I also attended two sessions of Summer Rock Camp.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?:  To me, an arts education is an opportunity to learn how to think creatively and how to express oneself. An arts education also gives students the chance to connect with and learn from other members of their community. I have met many kind and inspirational artists during my time at PMAC, who have influenced both my education and my life as a whole. Through my studies at PMAC, I have begun a pursuit that enriches my day-to-day life and gained a greater appreciation for music, arts, and artists of all kinds.

What are your plans for next year?: Next year, I will attend Bowdoin College, where I plan to study French and English and participate in the college orchestra and string ensembles.

JULIA

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I started off taking Piano lessons at PMAC with Katherine from age 4-8. I then switched over to viola and continued to take lessons through PMAC with Katie Backus, Jessica Helie and Augusto Salazar. I became involved in Bow St. Youth Orchestra in 7th grade and have continued through my senior year of high school. Last year I had the honor to be a part of Max’s Spectacular Orchestra as well.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: Having an Arts Educations through PMAC has fostered a love for music and also participating in musical groups. The basis PMAC has given me will lead me to be comfortable participating in any type of band or orchestra in the future. With this basis, I plan on continuing to play and share music for the rest of my life.

What are your plans for next year?: Next year I’ll be attending Wesleyan University and hope to play in the orchestra as well as chamber groups. I may even audition for an a cappella group!

LIAM H.

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I have participated in multiple programs since I was 7 or 8 years old. First, I played for three years in the semester long rock groups, playing the violin where I learned to play within a group. Later, when I was 9 or so years old, I began to take private lessons with Augusto Salazar. To this day, I am still taking lessons from Augusto. When I was roughly 11 years old, Augusto coaxed me into joining the Bow Street Orchestra. For the first few years, I played in the Bow Street Junior Ensemble, and eventually I made it into the more advanced Bow Street Youth Orchestra. Over the years I progressed through the ranks, and currently I hold the concert master position in the Orchestra.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?:  An education in music means a great deal to me. Firstly, it means exploration. Not only have the lessons and ensembles taught me how to read, play, and write music, but they have shown the other world that music exists in. With the aid of my teachers, I have been able to navigate and explore this world opening doors to many great opportunities in my life to grow and develop as a person.

 Music has impacted me profoundly in a few different ways, but most importantly, it has taught me how to teach myself and finish difficult tasks. While learning Bach concertos, or playing in an orchestra with other players maybe aren’t the easiest things, they helped me grow. By struggling to learn a piece, or working with other musician, I have built the problem solving skills and know-how, to learn/finish other difficult tasks in my life. Music has helped me learn who I am, and how I work.

What are your plans for next year?:  Next year, I will be taking a gap year. As of right now, the skeleton plan consists of moving to Washington State in order to gain residency for college. Afterwards, I will be attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.

LIAM W.

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I currently take guitar lessons with Bryan Killough, and play outside of class just for fun, trying to learn as many songs as I can.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: Playing the guitar has always been a bit of an outlet for me, especially when I'm stressed. It's very difficult to get frustrated with it and the result of hard work is very tangible.

What are your plans for next year?:  Next year I’m attending Norwich University in Northfield, VT and plan to begin a degree in either physics or aeronautical engineering, and I will continue to play guitar while doing so.

LIBBY

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: At PMAC I have been taking trumpet lessons with Chris Klaxton for the past two years. I have also participated in the Teen Jazz Workshop over the summer.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: Arts education is very important to me. I would say that it means a chance to explore creative outlets in a way that still fosters learning, allowing you to reach your potential to a fuller degree. I know that without arts education I would have never been able to fully discover my passion for music.

What are your plans for next year?: I will be attending Simmons College in the fall where I hope to study music and physics.

MATTHEW

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I currently participate in piano lessons with Mike Effenberger. In the past I participated in the Teen Jazz Ensemble and the Teen Rock Band in the summer where we played at Prescott Park.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?:  I love being part of the arts.  I am in the PHS marching band and jazz band as well as participating in PMAC.  I think that the arts is an important part of everyone’s development and I’m so happy to have been able to express myself through my music.

What are your plans for next year?:  I am going to Tufts to study Engineering.

MEGHAN

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: For the past nearly five years I have participated in the teen rock ensembles, summer camps, and interned with the junior rock ensembles. I was also a part of the Round Robin Festival last year through PMAC.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: I started playing piano at a young age and since then my focus has been pretty much entirely on music/music related subjects, so I would say it means a lot to me! I think it is a very important thing to give kids the chance to experience such a fun and interesting thing as musicianship. I don't know who I would be if I weren't a musician, I can't really imagine anything I would find more interesting.

What are your plans for next year?:  I am taking a gap year to travel, work on independent projects, and figure out whether or not college is the right path for me. I would really love to go to Berklee College of Music the following fall, but there is still plenty I want to do and need to consider between now and then!

RACHEL

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I am currently taking violin lessons with Diane Tiezzi. I have been taking lessons with her since 2005. I have participated in PMAC recitals, performed at weddings, and volunteered to play at assisted living and nursing homes.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: An arts education is valuable and essential in becoming a well rounded, creative, and disciplined student. It has given me a greater appreciation for the music and arts. It allows people to make connections to the many different aspects of learning, while also giving a new perspective to the way one sees the world.

What are your plans for next year?: Next year I will be attending College of the Holy Cross. I am unsure of what I will be majoring in, but I plan to have a pre-health concentration. I hope to continue playing violin in college and appreciate the gift of music.

REX

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I currently participate in drum lessons with Mike Walsh and am in the PMAC Teen Jazz Band. I also play with the Bow Street Orchestra. In the past I have taken guitar lessons with Nick Phaneuf, piano lessons with Mike Effenberger, and drum lessons with Jim Rudolf. In addition, I have taken many semesters of PMAC Teen Rock Band and attended the Summer Rock Camp multiple times.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: Being a part of all these ensembles and lessons has impacted me greatly - so much so that I am pursuing a life of it. An arts education to me means a life of expression, hard work, fun, love, and creativity. I am happy to have found the thing that I want to spend my life doing so early on and a lot of it is due to the amazing teachers I’ve had the privilege of studying with throughout my life so far.

What are your plans for next year?: I am very excited to be attending Berklee College of Music next year in the class of 2020, where I will be studying drum performance.

ROBBIE

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: At PMAC, I had the fun and the privilege of being in several ensembles and taking lessons.  The ensembles are great because you learn the ins and outs of playing as a team.  I was in Rock Band with Mike Effenberger and Nick Phaneuf many times when I was younger, which was great fun.  I was also in Jazz band with Chris Klaxton, who gave me a chance to explore playing saxophone, which was a new instrument for me.  I also grooved with Jim Dozet in the Jazz Guitar Ensemble multiple times, which I really enjoyed.  For lessons, I've taken Voice, which is not my strong suit but has helped me a lot, with Taylor O’Donnell and Erin Smith.  And lastly, I take Recording lessons with Jason Crigler, which has been cool because that is what I hope to be doing in the future. 

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?: Arts Education - I guess “art” differs from “science” in that art involves how we feel and express ourselves.  Ever since I can remember, music was part of my life and I always wanted to better understand how it works.  So, for me, a music education has been a personal adventure; something I thrive on.  I'm thankful for places like PMAC that help people explore their passions and for the friends I met there. 

What are your plans for next year?: Next year I'll be in the Music Industry Program at the College of Saint Rose in Albany NY.  I'll be continuing to study music and also production and the business side of music.

SHIVA

What program/s have you participated in at PMAC?: I am in the PMAC Teen Jazz Ensemble for the spring, and I was in it for the fall as well.  I also went to the PMAC Summer Jazz Workshop during the summer before 9th grade.

What does an arts education mean to you? And how has it impacted your life?:  Music education has given me a lot of experience playing in an ensemble and really interacting with other musicians.  It has also given me a lot of performance experience.

What are your plans for next year?:  Next year I'm going to be attending Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Congratulations class of 2016! We can't wait to see what you do next!