Sixth Formers in Arts Concentration Reflect on Their Growth, Experiences
By Michelle Nam ’10
News Reporter
Choate has always been famous for its overall excellence in the Arts, but within Choate, the many particularly talented artists participate in the Arts Concentration program. Arts Concentration, a selective program for students involved rigorously in the arts, is a unique program at Choate. It has three different areas: Theatre, Visual Arts, and Music. The program replaces the sports requirement, allowing students focused on the arts to expand and improve their talents. A few of the twelve 6th formers in Arts Concentration—Jen Bashian, Benjamin Firke, Aeri Kwon, Janet Li, Emily Macleod, Nathaniel Moore, Julia Nick, Loren Olson,Tessa Sacramone, David Shapiro, Kimberly Solow, and Melody Travers—shared their insights on the program.
“Nurtuting a Passion”
Jen Bashian ’08 has been in Arts Concentration for Theatre since her sophomore year, and participated in seven theatrical productions at Choate. She says, “Being in the program isn’t about a better chance of getting cast; it’s about nurturing a passion.” The Arts Concentration program lets students be actively involved in either theatrical productions or music groups after school instead of sports, giving them more time to focus. Jen also says that the program has helped her find many other opportunities as well: “Two summers ago I spent six weeks at Brown where a small ensemble created new pieces of theatre. I did a one-person show here at Choate last year that changed my life and showed me that theatre is definitely an interest I want to pursue in college.” The program has surely opened many gates for Jen; she participated in the spring Student Playwriting festival last year, in which she showed her talents by directing a play.
Program Opens Opportunities
Emily Macleod ’08 and Ben Firke’08 are both longtime members of the Arts Concentration program, and they enjoy it greatly. Emily says that being in Arts Concentration is like “having a major in high school.” Through the program, she has been able to get involved both through acting and teching for the theatre. She says, “There are so many opportunities available to you; and for people who are sure of what their passions are, Arts Concentration opens up so many doors. The arts faculty members are so supportive and get to know us really well on a personal basis.” Since it is a small group of students, the arts faculty and students form close relationships. Ben says that, for him, Arts Concentration is a large “reason for being at Choate, and something I’m very proud I am a part of.”
Janet Li ’08 has been a piano player in the Arts Concentration since her junior year. She says the Arts Concentration is very nice because “You get to have the time to practice in the PMAC instead of having to do sports. It’s wonderful because the whole building is very quiet. I can be at peace as I experiment with my music.” This year, Janet is in a quintet with all the other students in Music Arts Concentration; they are playing a piece by Brahms. This program is helpful for everyone in the quintet—Janet said, “We’re really learning from each other, listening to each other’s tones and everything, and it’s an experience playing with other musicians in such a small group, without a conductor.”
“A Growing Experience”
Tessa Sacramone ’08, a member of the Arts Concentration program since her freshman year, said, “The program has given me the time I need after school to develop my skills as a musician. It’s also required me to take classes that I might not have considered before, like History of Jazz and Music of the 60s taught by Mr. Ventre.” Though she said that practicing on “the fifth floor can get a little lonely at times,” she explained, “All in all I’d say that arts concentration has been a growing experience and I’m greatful for having been chosen to be part of it.”
The 6th formers in the program all agreed that Arts Concentration not only helped them develop their talents at Choate, but also opened much more opportunities for them. Students with interest in pursuing the arts benefit greatly from this program.
