Shenandoah Conservatory

I was drawn to Shenandoah’s program because of the versatility — you didn’t have to choose an emphasis, like ballet or just jazz or just modern. It’s a triple emphasis! I have a million reasons that answer the question, ‘Why Shenandoah?’

I always strive to make great music — anything that happens after that is just icing on the cake. I’d rather make an album that sounds amazing than ever be concerned about an award.

He’ll lie in bed sick all day long and not speak to his doctors, nurses, or us, and Miss Emily comes in and he jumps out of bed and starts playing the drums,” said the mother of one of Emily’s patients, Carson. In a place with so much fear, uncertainty, and pain, Emily is a light that pierces darkness. “Is it easier to be here when she’s around?” asks Carson’s nurse. “Yeah.” says Carson. “Why is that?” Carson replies, “Because she gives us hope.”

I’ve received endless amounts of messages from people of color, both young and old, telling me how much it means to them that I’m playing the role. This opportunity is, in every essence of the phrase, a dream come true.

I’ve wanted to be a conductor since I was 8 years old. I had never heard an orchestra before, and I knew at that moment that this was what I wanted to do with my life. When a person who looks like me, sees me and thinks ‘that is a possibility for me life’ — I’m excited about that.