Interlochen Arts Camp
During the summer between by junior and senior years, I traveled to Interlochen, Michigan to be a High School Girls counselor at the Interlochen Arts Camp. This is one of the premiere arts camps and academies in the world. I played with and directed ensembles, took on office jobs, and acted as a counselor for thirteen 16 year old campers. My fellow counselors and campers were from all over the world and were involved in many different art forms. I met leaders in the music performance and education fields, and I gained connections and resourses that I would not have gained anywhere else.
Jamaica Field Service Project
Between my fourth and fifth semesters at Penn State, I had the opportunity to travel to Jamaica and teach music in the local schools. I taught traditional Jamaican music and drumming to the Boston Bay primary school for two weeks. This was an experience like none other. This school could not provide paper for their exams, let alone a music class. Therefore, I taught these students the first and only music class that they may ever have. I learned so much from these students and this program that I hope to bring into my classroom.
Between my Freshman and Sophomore years, I took part in a program called The Philadelphia Urban Seminar. This was a three week long intensive class focusing on three main topics including Race/Racism, Disabilities/Ableism, and Sex/Sexism. We analyzed readings, listened to guest speakers, and discussed the importance of these topics while teaching in an Inner City School in Philadelphia. I taught music for two weeks in a very underprivileged school. I am very thankful for this opportunity. I witnessed education in a setting that I had never seen before, and thought about very deep issues with fellow educators, which will drastically benefit my teaching.
