Amanda Kaplowitz ’19
So many seniors take advantage of the music program offered at Staples and have played instruments throughout their entire high school careers. However, some of these instruments will be put back in their cases and go out of tune when the seniors pack up and head for college.
One musician, Evan Feder ’17, who has been playing the drums and other types of percussion since fifth grade, is setting down his sticks once he leaves Westport to attend Carnegie Mellon University next fall.
“I just don’t think there will be as many opportunities to play as there are here and definitely not enough time. In middle and high school you have a lot of time to explore hobbies, but in college it’s going to be hard,” Feder said.
Feder also noted the competitiveness and intensity of Carnegie Mellon’s music program and thinks that it may be difficult to get spots in musical groups since he would be up against students that are majoring in music.
Isabelle Amlicke ’17 also worries about the time commitment which would come with continuing to play the violin. Amlicke, who is going to Cornell University, a school known for its rigorous academics, is unsure if she will be able to fit music into her college schedule.
After playing for nine years, Amlicke admitted she does not know what her musical career will look like in the future. “I don’t think I will be playing again after college, but, if I end up being able to play for fun in college, then maybe I’ll continue to do chamber type ensembles,” Amlicke said.
Staples music teacher, Nicholas Mariconda, talked about his students, most of whom have been with him for all four years of high school, and said that the few who will actually major in music in college are very serious musicians and practice every day.
“I am very excited when my students continue playing after high school, either as music majors, minors or just for fun. But, I tell all my seniors that are not going to continue, that maybe later on in life they will play again when they have time or feel they want to, Mariconda said. “They all have gained an appreciation for music that will stay with them no matter what.”
Photo contributed by Westport Public Schools Music
