October 2020 Member of the Month: Clara

Who is your favorite musical artist, and why?

I don’t really have a favorite musical artist. I do really enjoy a lot of popular music from the 1920’s to the 1960’s (which I know isn’t the narrowest spectrum). I also like some more recent stuff and a lot of musical theater. A large portion of the music I listen to is somehow associated with another piece of media or art that I enjoy - songs I hear in TikToks, TV shows, movies, etc. My Spotify playlist is kind of a grab bag.

Where did your passion for music stem from? Is there anyone who inspired you in particular?

My family has always made sure that I’ve had access and exposure to all kinds of music. To my recollection, my first significant experience participating in anything to do with music was singing in my church’s children’s choir for a few years. Music plays a deeply ingrained role in my church, which is something that’s definitely had a profound effect on me. When I was eight or nine, I started playing the violin and ended up really liking it. I’m definitely not the best, and I don’t practice nearly as much as I ought to, but I still enjoy it. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I joined my school choir and decided to audition for our musical. The choir director at my school is absolutely amazing, and all of my fellow students made me feel so welcome. It wasn’t until that point that I really gained a deeper appreciation and relationship with music.

What have you discovered about yourself or others through working at TCC?

Since joining TCC, I’ve realized that there are so many ways to be passionate about music and not one of them is better or worse than the others. No one in the group has ever done any kind of gate-keeping based on skill-level, interest, or mode of expression. It’s really beautiful to watch a group of young people share something that can be so personal in so many ways.

What is the most rewarding part of working at The Cantabile Collective (TCC)?

My answer to this question is largely linked to my answer to the previous one. TCC is such a lovely place with such a wide variety of personalities and interests. I tend to be rather shy and don’t do a whole lot of social interaction with other members of TCC, but no one’s ever made me feel like I’m not welcome or don’t belong. Everyone is so friendly and kind and it’s nice to belong to this community.

What extracurriculars (clubs, organizations, sports, etc.) are you involved in outside of TCC?

Outside of TCC, I do Tae Kwon Do, play the violin, write for another online publication called Voices of Gen-Z, and am a member of a local group that engages people in philosophy through pop culture.

What are your dreams or aspirations in life?

Honestly, right now, my answer to this question could change at the drop of the hat, but my goal is to get an undergraduate degree in English or theology and then attend drama school for my postgraduate education.