JULIAN CELEBRATES GRADUATION WITH A STUNNING CAKE!
PG. 4-5
CHECK OUT THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S SUPERLATIVES! PG. 7
FIRST DRAFT OR FIRST OBOE? NICK TISHERMAN COMPARES THE HIGH STAKES WORLD OF SPORTS AND MUSIC PG. 6
BO-GYUNG LIM DIGS DEEP INTO BOSTON’S ETHNIC HISTORY
DR. PAUL ENDS THE YEAR WITH ADVICE FOR GRADS PG. 14
THE PENGUIN
PG. 18
N E C ’S S T U D E N T - R U N N E W S PA P E R
ISSUE 77
MAY 5TH, 2016
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JONAS TARM SHARES THIS YEAR’S TOP PHOTOS PG. 12-13 PG. 2-3
TWO GRADUATING STUDENTS LOOK FORWARD - AND BACK!
PG. 5
PG. 8-9
REFLECTING ON THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR
m o r f s r e t t Le
penguin GRADUATES by Sarah Atwood and Elizabeth Wendt
Graduation: a word that’s both exhilarating and terrifying. For
other things to keep on top of as well, such as correspondence
some, it means moving on to the next chapter of schooling, be it a
with ensemble contractors, and picking up music for upcoming
Masters, DMA, or even a non-musical degree. For me, it means The
programs (oh, and then practicing it). Juggling all of this work on
End of School, and the Transition into a Real Grown Up Life.
top of practicing and NEC commitments was tiring to say the least, but it also gave me some confidence.
This transition started this past year, as I was completing my Master’s. I was lucky enough to break into the Boston freelance
When people ask me what my “life plan” is after I graduate, I can’t
scene, and start working in addition to being a student. It helped
say that I’m going to be going straight to my new job at the Vienna
that I had done my undergraduate degree in Boston, so I already
Philharmonic. However, I know that when I graduate I will be able
had contacts in the area. Word-of-mouth can go a long way; this
to keep freelancing, and use that foundation to make my living --
is a good reason to always be responsible and on time for any job,
while practicing for other auditions and waiting to see how Life as
because you never know where it may lead. (Not to mention the
a Professional Musician unfolds.
obvious, that it’s just plain good manners...!) Freelancing is certainly not the only way to transition The freelancing gods have smiled upon me,
from school to a more professional lifestyle. Some
for I now perform with Emmanuel Music,
graduates end up teaching; I have a good
Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP),
friend (an NEC alum) who moved into an
Cantata Singers, Pro Arte Chamber
unknown city, and within the year had
Orchestra, the Cape Symphony, and the
collected 40 students! Who knew that
Portland Symphony. These jobs also
Dallas TX was in such dire need of a violin
lead to other various gigs, concerts, and
teacher?
even friendships and students to teach. There are also people who choose However, all of this freelancing had to be
to continue their schooling in a semi-
woven into my already busy school schedule!
professional way, in training centers like The
Playing with different ensembles meant that there are different rehearsal venues and logistics to
Academy or New World. And for those of you who SARAH AT WOOD, GRADUATING VIOLINIST
deal with constantly (sometimes rehearsal locations
are moving on to another degree, you already know how it works!
even change during the day of the rehearsal itself ). When I graduated from undergrad, I knew that my next step was Rehearsal times also shift around, and it can be very easy to
to get a Master’s. That plan was pretty concrete and didn’t leave
double/triple/quadruple-book some of the busier times of year.
too much open for interpretation. I wasn’t too scared during my
“Plan ahead” was the best mantra when juxtaposing my work
undergrad graduation, because I knew that the next two years
schedule(s) on top of my school schedule.
of my life were already decided and that I was going to continue what I’d only ever known: being a student. Now, this graduation
Wish as I might, I don’t have a time-turner to be in several places
feels different. Everything is open to choice, my choice.
at once, like in Harry Potter... so the next-best (although much more boring) solution was the good ole’ calendar. There were
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MAY, 2016
In addition, I’m also very sad to leave NEC. I attended a much
But two years goes by way too fast! I’ll really miss my NEC friends,
for the amazing members of this community telling me that I’m
and battling for a practice room during prime time. I’ll miss the
smart enough, talented enough, and that I belong here.
concerts that happen in every corner of the school, and how if you really tried, you could probably attend (parts of ) about 20
Thank you Mr. Buys. Words will never be able to describe how
recitals a week.
grateful I am to have had you as my solfege teacher. You never gave up on me no matter how much I struggled in your class.
I may even miss having orchestra rehearsals scheduled at 9am...
You told me day after day that I could do it, but I just needed to
(?!) I will miss the energy of hard work and commitment that’s
believe in myself and commit. Finally, in my second semester of
palpable in the NEC hallways: how simply walking through the
Solfege IV, I found the musicianship you had been teaching me
second floor of JH and listening can provide inspiration. I’ll really
all along.
miss the NEC feeling of community, between the students and faculty and administration. I’ll miss the musical collaborations
You were one of the best teachers I have ever had in my entire
between friends in chamber music and classes --- and last but
life and I will never forget your cheerful voice telling me that I’m
not least, our cute penguin school mascot.
wonderful even when I was making sounds and rhythms that were far less than wonderful. I miss you so much.
But I’m trying to convince myself: the act of graduating can do more than strike sadness and fear into the soul.
Thank you to Dean Hegland, Tom Handel, Evelyn
So - the moral of the story is this, good readers...
Haralampu, and all of the other members of
Graduating also holds a lot of hope and
the Student Affairs Committe for allowing
opportunity. Whether you’re going on to
me to be a member of a wonderful
more schooling or not, there’s much in
organization that gavve me to be a
store -- and NEC has given us the tools
voice for positive change within NEC.
for us to get out and see, as the EM department says, “what’s next?”
Thank you to the graduating class of undergrad voice majors. I love all of you - each and every single one of you.
Dear NEC,
We have bonded so much over the past four years and it has been so wonderful to
You have changed my life. From the very first moment that I set foot on your campus when I auditioned here in 2012, I knew my life would never
get to know you and sing with you. ELIZABETH WENDT, GRADUATING VOCALIST
be the same. Here are the things that I have to thank you for before I graduate this May:
And last of all, thank you to everyone who is reading this. I have no doubt that in some way, you have changed my life here at NEC. Whether you smiled at me in
Thank you for helping me build friendships that are stronger
passing between classes or you came to a chorus concert, you
than any bond I have ever experience between colleagues.
have made my four years at NEC the most memorable and
These people will be my friends until I’m old and crusty – I just
enjoyable time of my life. Thank you for everything, NEC. Live
know it!
long and prosper!
Thank you for helping me build confidence in myself. Never in my life have I been more secure and happy with who I am as a person. I have accepted my flaws – physical and mental – and I am not ashamed of them anymore. In fact, I embrace my flaws. I would have never been able to find such inner peace if it wasn’t
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3
penguin SUPERLATIVES HAPPIEST PERSON TO RUN INTO ON THE SIDEWALK
MOST LIKELY TO LIVE IN A PRACTICE ROOM
2-Time Winner!
Mary O’Keefe
4
Frank John
PASSION FOR FASHION
PARTY CHAMPION
Jonathan Gentry
Carlos Aguilar
MAY, 2016
The presidential campaign has nothing on the senior superlative elections! Congratulations to our 8 winners! Be sure to give them a high five next time you spot them in the hallway! MOST HILARIOUS
MOST LIKELY TO COMPLETE HOMEWORK ON TIME
Daniel Hersog
Farayi Sophia Malek
MOST LIKELY TO BE SPOTTED ON A COFFEE RUN
BEST NON-MUSICAL TALENT
(Contortion)
Jeff Cox
Annette Jakovčić WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
5
The Pick Is In...
by NICK TISHERMAN 4th Year - BM Oboe
WHY IT’S HARDER TO BREAK INTO MUSIC THAN FOOTBALL
I, like so many other music students, can go to school for four years, spend early mornings and late nights in the practice room and at the reed desk, be a good colleague, slap tons of summer festivals on my résumé, create a freelance network, advance in professional auditions, and graduate with a projected income of “LOL, what?” But money is not why we do what we do. We do this because listening to music touches us, paralyzes us, THE NFL DRAFT
inspires us, and we want to do the same for others. We do this
The NFL Draft is nearly impossible for me to watch these days, not
because we have something to say, and we want the opportunity
because the last thing I want to see at New York’s Radio City Hall is a
to say it at the highest level. We do this because we enjoy being
ritualistic procedure carried out by a bunch of pro athletes and their
inspired by the artists who teach us. We do this because performing
crazy fans, or because of the hours of boredom one must endure
gives a chance to share with others. Making money in music is a
waiting for the five seconds of excitement in which your favorite
challenge, and my personal belief that whether you are getting paid
team selects some collegiate athlete from a school you’ve never
a salary, bringing in chunks of money through solo engagements,
heard of; but because it’s a bitter reminder that finding a reliable
or piecing together your earnings from a smorgasbord of freelance
source of income in our chosen field can be difficult, discouraging,
work and projects, drawing some or all of your income from musical
and usually not all that glamorous.
activities should be a miraculous accomplishment.
The nation’s top college football players are hired by professional
I often compare careers in the music field to careers in sports
teams of the National Football League in a process that resembles
because both are highly specialized, “talent-based” industries,
elementary school recess—each team takes turns picking players in
where success is driven by the work you do both on and off the
a seven-round, three-day ordeal. Upon receiving a phone call from
field (or rehearsal space). In both fields, the work of the players and
the general management of the picking team, a 22-year-old college
management allows the fans (or patrons) to take a break from their
star could sign a contract for as much as $29.7 million over the next
daily lives and enter a more fun and stimulating world for a while,
few seasons. In the coming days, he will be glamorously introduced
then return to business as usual.
to his new fan base via media coverage and press conferences. However, there is one huge difference between the two career If a football player finishes his collegiate career a productive player
paths: while a young football player knows that there is a position
in the top percentiles of his position, does his homework, and
waiting for him somewhere in the National Football League, a
completes the necessary workouts giving himself exposure to pro
young musician has to blaze their own trail. We need to be creative
scouts, all he has to do is sign up for the draft and he is guaranteed
in the opportunities we seek out for ourselves. We have to build
to work his dream job, step into instant fame, and pocket a whole
our own professional networks. We will assemble programs of our
lot of cash. Let me daydream for a second…
favorite music to present to audiences we create ourselves. I know in my career I will take gigs and auditions, but sometime down
With the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, the Chicago
the line I might create my own chamber collective, or sell reeds, or
Symphony Orchestra select, age 21, from the New England
arrange opera arias for oboe solo.
Conservatory, oboist Nicholas Tisherman. The phone rings, and the personnel manager asks me if I’m ready to join the Chicago
The one thing that becomes more imminently clear as I advance
Symphony. I say, “Yes.”
farther along in my young career is this: in a professional world where jobs are scarce, we need to create more opportunities, not sit
If only it were that way. I have become increasingly frustrated that
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MAY, 2016
around waiting for the call.
AA CAKE Masterclass in the Kitchen PERFECT FOR GRADUATION
by JULIAN POZNIAK 1st Year - MM Composition
Gateau Fourré avec Crème d’Orange
As we near the end of the term and bid farewell to many of
Adapted from Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child
our friends and colleagues, we may be tempted to throw
Ingredients for Cake 2/3 cup plus a tablespoon of sugar, divided 4 eggs, separated into yolks and whites
some kind of celebration to commemorate the successes that we have found here at NEC. Of course, the most important part of any such occasion is the presence of
One orange, zested and juiced (about 1/3 cup of juice)
those who we hold dear, but the second most important
¾ cup cake flour
part of any such celebration must be cake! At the end of
Pinch of salt
our series on food, I think it’s only appropriate to return
Ingredients for Filling and Icing 10tb. of butter, divided 1 1/3 cups sugar 2 eggs plus 2 yolks One orange, again zested and juiced Optional: 1 tb. orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau)
to that great culinary pedagogue, Julia Child, for some loving guidance on how to really stun your audience with something beautiful and delicious. The most challenging part of this recipe is probably the self-control required to not shove the various parts of the cake into your face before it has been assembled, but trust
For the cake, gradually beat 2/3 cup of sugar into the egg yolks with a fork
me, it is worth it. Barring this, the part that requires the
or whisk until the mixture looks light and well blended, and ribbons form
most care is the egg whites, which must be beaten so that
when drawn up and allowed to fall back into the mixture. Zest the orange
they are quite stiff, but not over- or under-beaten so that
into the mixture by grating the orange part of the peel, leaving behind the
they cannot properly hold their shape. In this case, there
white pith. Juice the orange and add to the mixture with a pinch of salt,
are many videos online that can be helpful.
beating until the mixture looks light and foamy. Preheat the oven to 350ºF In an impeccably clean, very large bowl, beat the egg whites and salt with a
I hope you have enjoyed making or reading these recipes
large whisk until the mixture looks velvety. Add the remaining tablespoon
as much as I have this year. As we draw closer to summer,
of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form when the whisk is
I hope you all are looking forward to having more time in
drawn away from the whites. Delicately fold the whites into the yolk mixture
the kitchen, since I know that’s where I’ll be spending my
by placing the whites over the yolk mixture and then slicing a spatula
time when not composing. If you should ever find yourself
through the mixture and folding the mixture over itself. Once the mixture is
in a culinary quandary or in the mood to try something
completely integrated, turn it into a buttered cake pan. Bake in the center of
new or daring in the kitchen, I will gladly be at your beck
the oven for thirty minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Once finished,
and call, on hand to answer any pressing questions you
allow to cool for eight minutes, then invert onto a rack and allow to continue
may have. Until next year, bon appétit!
cooling for up to two hours. For the filling and icing, place 6 tb. of butter and the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan and place over very low heat. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens like honey, never allowing the mixture to come to a boil or the eggs will scramble. If the cake is tall enough to slice in half horizontally, do so and spread half of the cooled filling over one of the cakes, then assembling back together. If your cake is rather flat, skip this and proceed to make the icing. Take the remaining 4 tb. of butter and soften by allowing to come to room temperature. Do not allow the butter to melt. Beat the softened butter into the other half of your orange filling and then chill it in the fridge until it can be spread over the cool cake with a spatula. Transfer the cake to a serving plate, then spread the icing over the top and then the sides. Serve and enjoy.
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2015-2016: A YEAR IN REVIEW BY THE PENGUIN EDITORIAL STAFF
It’s been a big year here at NEC. Give yourself a pat on the back for putting in massive amounts of care, time, and effort into your craft, and take a look at some of the highlights from the news around school and around the world.
GOING UP!
REMEMBERING GUNTHER
The SLPC (Student Life and Performance Center) has come a long way since we broke ground last Spring! Now the skeleton of what’s soon to be NEC’s tallest building towers over the Residence Hall and St. Botolph Building. As we move into next year, we’ll see less and less progress on the outside - but don’t worry, the real magic will be taking place inside those walls.
NEC remembered its former President and renown Composer Gunther Schuller in a series of concerts in the Fall Semester put on by the Jazz, CI and Classical Departments.
HUGH WOLFF NEC’s Calderwood Director of Orchestras, was oppointed the new chief conductor of the National Orchestra of Belgium. But don’t panic! Maestro Wolff will still be our beloved Orchestra Director, conducing 4-5 concerts per year with NEC’s orchestras.
MBTA The MBTA recently announced the closure of the late-night hours that Charlie Baker assured us would remain in place only two years ago. Uber and other ridesharping apps have picked up the slack. 8
MAY, 2016
STRADIVARIUS The estate of world-renowned violinist NEC alum Si-Hon Ma ’50 M.M, ’52 A.D. gifted the 1714 “Joachim-Ma” Stradivarius violin to NEC! Featured in an April concert in Jordan Hall, the 300-year-old instrument was previously owned by 19th-century Hungarian virtuoso Joseph Joachim.
LGBTQ While many states have awarded new rights to the LGBTQ community, North Carolina tightens its laws.
ARTISTS LOST
‘OUTSIDERS’ This year in American politics, Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders stormed into the arena for their parties’ nominations to be President of the United States. Neither of their candidacies were treated seriously until voting began, yet both have shocked pundits and voters alike. With Trump the presumed Republican nominee, and Bernie still holding on, this political season will be remembered as unprecedented.
We have collectively mourned the losses of several great artists and creative minds these past several months. Whether it be Prince, David Bowie, Maurice White, or other influential artists, we remember them for their contributions to music and the world.
WINTER...? More like a mild fall. While the temperatures dropped pretty low this season, Boston was spared from the mountains of snow that we endured last year. Instead, the cold weather has persisted all the way until May. Forget about Winter, where did Spring go?
TERRORISM
The world continues to be shocked and dismayed by terrorist attacks in Paris, Brussels and San Bernadino, California. As refugees move out of the Middle East and the region continues to destablize, the World unites around love and compassion for those affected.
NEC OPERA NEC’s vocal department kicked it up a notch again this year with a stunning performance of Janacek’s ‘The Cunning Little Vixen’ this winter, after performing a light-hearted but memorable production of Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi’.
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Conservatory Graduates in the “Real World” LIFE, IN NUMBERS, FOR MUSICIANS AFTER CONSERVATORY.
by INGA LIU 3rd Year - BM Violin
As the end of the school year draws to a close, another class of NEC graduates enters the “real world.” So what does life look like for a graduate of the New England Conservatory? The Penguin surveyed Alumni from the Class of 2005 through the Class of 2014, asking for information about their income, current location, level of satisfaction with their education, and any further degrees they pursued. The survey was sent to 1,940 alumni; 237 responses were received (about 12%). 43% of respondents received an undergraduate degree (U.D., B.M.) and 57% received graduate degrees (M.M., G.D., D.M.A.). Below are the survey findings.
1. Degrees Pursued After NEC
2. Net Gross Personal Income
Of the 237 alumni responses, 43% of alumni surveyed went on to further schooling. The schools that NEC alumni attend in order of popularity include the University of Southern California (USC), Boston University (BU), McGill University, Yale University, and Eastman School of Music. The most popular countries for studying abroad were Germany and France, in that order. For graduate degrees outside of the arts, medical school was the most popular further education pursued, followed by business school.
Exactly 50% of alumni surveyed make less than $40,000 a year, with 30% making less than $30,000 a year. The median income is between $30,000 and $39,000 a year. The 75th percentile make between 60 and 69k. There is also an upward trend in income as time passes. The average income of Classes 2011-2015 is $43,264 and the average income of Classes 2005-2010 is $60,139. Two points to make note of: • There were slightly more respondents in the more recent graduating classes • This data is similar to the distribution of annual household income the US.
Despite the music industry having a reputation of instability, 80% of alumni surveyed have long-term full-time positions. Furthermore, the single income distribution of those surveyed more or less matches the household income distribution of the US. 28% of alumni currently live in Boston, 9% live in NYC, 5% live in LA, 6% live in Texas. The most popular foreign countries that alumni currently live in are Canada, Germany, France, and South Korea in that order. NEC ALUMNI CLASS OF 2005-2014 INCOME DISTRIBUTION
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MAY, 2016
3.Primary Source of Income The number one source of income is teaching (29%). 22% of alumni earned the bulk of their income in a non-music related position. 18% of alumni have permanent performance-related positions, while 16% rely on short term performance gigs.
Jason Horowitz B.M. ‘93, A.D. ‘98
Shaheen Lavie-Rouse B.M. NEC/Tufts ’12
Mr. Horowitz is a violinist in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In addition to teaching orchestral repertoire at NEC, Horowitz is on faculty for preparatory
Senior Analyst at Analysis Group, CoFounder and CEO of HireNotes, an online platform where musicians can book and manage paid performances and are guaranteed on-time payment.
and continuing education divisions.
What started your journey in music and how did you end up at NEC?
How did you first get started in music?
JH: I was exposed to the violin in kindergarten. I came to NEC to work with my teacher Masuko Ushioda.
SLR: I saw Yo Yo Ma on the Mr. Rogers show and for a week I refused to say a word other than “cello.” Eventually, my mom got me a cello.
What do you think makes NEC different from other conservatories?
Do you have any advice for current NEC students?
JH: I have the impression that it’s more concerned with the whole person than most other music schools and that quality gives NEC graduates more possibilities in the real world, because they’re formed in a certain way as people.
SLR: Take advantage of the experience fully. Going to a conservatory is a very specific skill-based education so try as much as you can to open yourself to other methods and sources of learning.
Mason Yu M.M. ‘15
Kai Sandoval B.M. ‘13, M.M. ‘15
Violinist of the Omer Quartet, NEC’s graduate quartet-in-residence.
Freelance jazz trumpet, involved in big bands, supplements income with teaching and wedding/corporate gigs.
What do you think makes NEC different from other conservatories?
What do you think makes NEC different from other conservatories?
MY: My honest answer is the practice room situation… or maybe I should say the lack thereof. But you can meet people waiting for a practice and room, and every room has its own personality. There’s like an inside joke at NEC about the fact that the building is so rundown. I think it brings everyone closer. I wonder how the new building will change that.
KS: The CI and Jazz department allows for and encourages exposure to a wide diversity and range of styles, which no other school offers.
If you had any advice for a current NEC student, what would it be? MY: Get out and enjoy the city. Boston is very historical and there’s a lot of information and inspiration out there. Also, go to Haymarket for cheap groceries! It’s great for penny pinchers.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? KS: Don’t get too locked into one idea or expect your career to take just one path. Just because a gig is lame doesn’t mean you won’t learn something from it, whether its personal or musical skills.
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penguin PHOTOS
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MAY, 2016
Jonas Tarm has been taking photos in and around NEC for the past school year. His top picks provide a peek into what goes on outside the classroom at NEC
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Ethnic Diversity in Boston
by BO-GYUNG LIM 4th Year - BM Cello
A BRIEF EXPLORATION OF NEIGHBORHOODS IN OUR CITY
Cultural institutions such as polish language school and traditional Irish dance school keep alive the neighborhood’s unique ethnic heritage. South Boston serves as a backdrop for several movies, such as The Departed starring Leo DiCaprio as an Italian mafia boss, Good Will Hunting starring Matt Damon as a math prodigy from a poor Irish working-class family. The face of South Boston is changing, as the area becomes increasingly gentrified - sometimes leading to a cultural class between the “old” and the “new” Southie. Mattapan: Mattapan has the largest community of Haitian immigrants in Massachusetts. Haitian and other Caribbean immigrants and African Americans constitute around 77 percent of the neighborhood population--a striking shift from the predominantly jewish population in the early 70’s.
GRAFFITI ART IN BOSTON, DEPICTING IRELAND’S SECESSION FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM
Popular images of Boston, such as having rich cultural heritage and being a young college city, seem to be true in the precincts of NEC, where streets teem with college students and are flanked by buildings registered as national historic landmarks. However, such images belie Boston’s modern landscape and striking socio-economic diversity. Starting in the 60’s, affluent city residents - predominantly caucasians - left Boston to settle in nearby suburbs. The city’s socioeconomic diversity, affected by such suburbanization, was further augmented by the influx of immigrants. Today, the majority of Boston’s population constitutes of racial-minorities, and the city remains a hot spot for newly-arrived immigrants. As emblematic of Boston national historic landmarks and college students may be, so are ethnic communities and aspiring immigrants who hope to send their kids to American colleges. Such ethnic communities and immigrant populations can be found in following neighborhoods of Boston: South Boston: Many Irish migrated to South Boston due to the Great Famine in late 19th century in Ireland. Since then, it has developed into a community of European working-class immigrants--especially Polish and Lithuanians. Irish pubs and Polish delicatessens in South Boston are especially renowned.
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MAY, 2016
This population shift entailed injustice inflicted on both old and new residents, as real estate agents sought to reap profit by buying homes from other caucasians at a low price to sell those homes to new and less-informed immigrants at much inflated prices. East Boston: 60 percent of the neighborhood’s population is Hispanic. Whereas the majority of Boston’s Hispanic population comes from the Caribbeans, East Boston’s Hispanic population mostly come from Central and South America. The neighborhood is well known for its great non-profit organizations that assist social needs of immigrants. Until the influx of Hispanics, East Boston was largely populated by ItalianAmericans. Recently, East Boston is experiencing some of the same gentrification experienced by those in South Boston. At NEC, where classical, jazz, and CI musicians study together, we learn to embrace musical diversity. Knowledge of other genres of music enables us to have different and enriched perspectives on our musical studies. Similarly, awareness of rich ethnic diversity in Boston would not only enable us to enjoy the city more, but enhance our conception of where we as musicians, and music we study, stand in the city’s context.
Bon Voyage!
by SUZANNE HEGLAND Dean of Students
A PEP TALK BEFORE YOU TAKE THE PLUNGE!
Some of you will be back for more (gluttons for punishment!), others will enter the hallowed halls of higher education someplace probably less quirky/cool than NEC, and some of you have landed fabulous gigs (again, you know who you are – please, don’t gloat). But for many of you, the next step in your life feels like the one some sailors used to take off the gang plank; blinded, alone, and sure of nothing except the imminent splash of the icy cold water. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I’ve been part of many, many, many Commencements here at NEC, and I’ve seen brigades of sailors walk that plank. Some got to the end, held their breath and did a triumphant cannon-ball into those choppy waters. Some stuck a toe in, then a foot, then a leg, then held their breath and floated off into the sunset. And others, Hey, you’re graduating!
well, they had to be pushed. But sooner or later, you all end up in that vast ocean.
Wait. What? You’re graduating? Seriously? It feels like you just got here! Ok, I guess it has been 4 years for you undergrads
Some of you will be amazed at your natural buoyancy, a
(more or less – you know who you are), and two (ish) for you
quality you never knew you had. Some of you might swallow a
grads. And DMAs? You’ve been here forever, amiright?
mouthful of salty water before you remember to kick with both feet and keep your head over the waves, and some of you will
There’s a reason why they say the minutes drag and the hours
get tangled up in your own clumsy limbs and grab hold of the
speed by so fast they give you vertigo. Remember when you
nearest flotation device. But all of you will see the ship you left,
first got here? You thought Beethoven was a composer and not
a constant on the horizon. You might not know where you’re
a place, and that Starbucks was where all the cool kids got their
going, but you’ll know where you’ve been.
coffee. You might not have your bearings yet, but be safe in the (Pavement anyone? Dunkin, for you die-hards, and for the
knowledge that your ship will always be here. The hard work of
super-hipsters – David’s Tea – that’s livin’ the dream, baby). Yeah,
your practice kept it watertight and, your soaring creativity kept
yeah, now you’re all jaded.
it seaworthy. The echoes of all of the beautiful sounds you’ve made here will keep this place afloat, as a compass for you and
You know where the lousy pianos are (St. Botolph classrooms,
a worthy vessel for the next generation of adventurers.
I’m looking at you), you finally found the mysterious mezzanine in Jordan Hall, and most important, some of you have even
Ready, set, jump!
figured out the best place to grab a catnap between classes and ensembles (no, I’m not telling). But what to do with all of this knowledge now that your time at NEC has come to such a climactic end?
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
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u d ra G R E T F A t c e p x E to t Wha
penguin SPOTLIGHT by Umar Zakaria
I have a Bachelor of Music degree from the New Zealand School of Music. It was a three-year degree program, the third year of which I spent as an exchange student at the University of North Texas. I arrived home literally the day before my graduation ceremony, having watched all of the movies I had ever missed over 25 hours of flying. After a short rest, I went to a department store called ‘Farmers’ to buy a nice purple shirt and received my degree the very next day. What happened next? You’re probably more than aware that graduation is not the end of the story. It isn’t even the beginning of the story - if you’re trying to go to grad school like I was, then months of preparation and emotional ups-and-downs have already taken place. In my last semester at North Texas, I had auditions at Juilliard, Eastman and Manhattan schools of music, as well as the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. I missed my University of Michigan audition because my plane was frozen over, and I had to stay in the airport overnight (thank goodness for 24-hour Mexican food). The next day, I had no choice but to spend every last cent in my bank account on a towncar service that would take me across a couple of different towns to get to my Michigan State audition on time. When I finally arrived, the school bass they provided was absolutely awful. My performance of the Prelude from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 was not a success by any measure, and with my depleted wallet, neither was my dinner that night. The rest of my auditions did not pan out so well either. I was waitlisted for Eastman, did not pass the first round at Juilliard, and - fed by equal amounts of frustration and determination - played my best audition ever at the Manhattan School of Music - only to receive admission with zero scholarship. In my mind, I had convinced myself that the next few months was going to be my breakthrough story, a saga of struggle and success for Umar Zakaria. I was going to raise $25,000 in less than a year, in a currency that far overpowered my own country’s - probably
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MAY, 2016
(GRAD SCHOOL AUDITIONS ARE ALSO EXHAUSTING)
more money than I have ever seen in my life - then arrive at MSM and prove them wrong. During those next few months, I was able to save less than a thousand dollars in New Zealand currency. My level of success was effectively zero. However, what actually did happen turned out to become a different kind of breakthrough story. I was living at home, and sometimes went weeks without any gigs. I applied for every scholarship I could find, even though most support for music students in New Zealand is basically reserved for classical musicians. I did not feel like going back to school in New Zealand would be a step forward, but I ended up giving in because having an extra letter next to my name would look good on those scholarship applications. I literally felt like I was going nowhere, not noticing that inside my mind, things were actually beginning to take shape. All of these scholarship essays and nights of feeling stuck and pushing ahead anyway had forced me to think a lot about myself and my relationship with music. You can see the results of this in the articles I’ve written and the projects you may have seen me undertake. Eventually, an opportunity came by out of nowhere to apply to
NEC, and I just did it because I could. I was so accustomed to just applying to things even when I was 99% sure I probably wouldn’t get it. Now I’m at a school that has changed my life in ways that I could never have seen coming - a school that I didn’t even apply to originally. I’m really glad that things turned out the way they did, because I would not be the same person I am now without experiencing the traditions, ideas and especially the incredible people of the New England Conservatory. And I love it. So back to that tantalizing headline: what can you expect after graduation? The truth, for better or for worse, is that you can’t really expect anything. Even if things seem to be going exactly to plan, it’s hard to tell what surprises await us around the corner - in fact, the more things seem to go well, the more disappointment we will feel when a tragedy occurs and our expectations are not met. Having the courage to pursue lofty dreams can really be a big part of the journey to success. But if we do have to face disappointment, it’s important to understand how much of it comes from our expectations of ourselves, because that is how much we have control over - and often, it’s quite a lot! The last thing you need to be getting in your way is yourself, and understanding this can really help us to recover from our mistakes, our missteps and our mishaps so that we can move forward. The path to success is a long and winding one that might not take you where you were hoping, but success is a direction, not a destination. I am not writing this to tell you to prepare for everything to fail miserably. It might, or it might not. All I’m trying to say is, don’t let your expectations get in the way of having fun, taking chances, and picking yourself up if things do turn out unexpectedly. I believe in all of you and I know that each one of you has an
Sipping A Poetic Interlude by Maryann Han
‘I am so, so, so cold.’ Extra repetition proves me wrong; I’m a faux pas. Undertaking hot water doesn’t seem to do much good; believe it, for the ripples undulate and cross each other as I breathe – across the meniscus of unknown olio to contemplate whether or not this mélange will combust in my face as I watch things all around crackle and rip the edge of the ever-burning fire – cautiously.
“The Summer Case” Chamber Operetta in One Act Performed by NEC Musicians, Music by Sonnet Swire
With music and libretto by award winning composer, Sonnet Swire, The Summers Case tells the story of America’s crumbling Foster Care system through the eyes of three children in Florida, while also including ongoing discussions about mental illness, race, gender equality, and socio economic equality. Showcasing a diverse group of NEC students, the music conjoins elements of opera, jazz, afroCaribbean, and bluegrass, allowing NEC’s classical, jazz, and contemporary improvisation students sitting side-by-side to create a piece that is uniquely American.
might, or takes place in a location you didn’t expect, with people you never imagined you would meet.
The opera’s plot highlights issues related to the American foster care system—its crumbling infrastructure and racial and gender inequality, as well as the disastrous long term consequences burdening American society. It is the composer’s hope that the performance inspires audiences to take a more active role in the lives of America’s forgotten and underserved children, whether it be through volunteer work, reaching out to their local politicians, or even fostering a child.
If there is one thing that you can expect after graduation, it’s this: you will find out that you are stronger and more beautiful than
Where: Friday, May 13th 2016 at 8:00pm
incredible contribution to offer the world - so if you come upon a chance to make that contribution, go ahead and make it! There is always a way forward, even if it takes longer than you thought it
you ever imagined you could be. It might take a while, though. I’m still working on it - but I’m looking forward to seeing you on the
When: New England Conservatory’s Williams Hall
other side.
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penguin ADVICE by Dr. Paul
Dear Dr. Paul,
Dear “Emerging From the Microcosm of NEC”,
I’m graduating this year and I’m completely
This is a tough situation for sure. To be honest, most of these “normal people,” who are very real,
freaking out. It’s come to my attention
will not give a flying hoot about your degree - unless they are a sensitive Pisces or a free-spirited
recently that apparently beyond the doors
Sagitarius and they consider themselves to have recently had a spiritual awakening or they identify
of Jordan Hall, there’s a real world with
as hipsters. Then they will ask questions like “Oh, are you in a band?” or “What’s NEC? Is that
people who aren’t musicians living in it.
part of Boston Conservatory?” or “What’s a contemporary improvisation?” This is the nature of the
Since when did that become a thing?!?
cruel world we live in. BUT, you do have a few options. You could start teaching keyboard lessons
With this new and shocking information,
at your local ‘School of Rock.’ You will enjoy the beauty and ever-so-rewarding feeling of shaping
I’m really stressing over what I’m going
young, squealing, children who probably will put in around 17 minutes of practice a week. This
to do after I leave NEC. What will my
will be an excellent lesson for you in patience, since you will make very little progress with them.
Bachelors in Music mean to these “normal
You will also acquire a new group of friends comprised of your 8-13 year olds who won’t take you
people”? Will they even care?
seriously, not to mention their flustered parents who stuck them in music school to have an hour of peace. A winning package deal! Earnings: $20 an hour, resulting in an annual income of around
On another note, how am I going to make
$7,000!
money? The financial office just told me that I have $287 million of student debt.
Another great option is to set up a spot deep in the tunnels of the downtown crossing T station and
I guess they’re really trying to make that
playing your music for the people hurrying by. They might even throw their spare change at you
new building happen...
whilst running by, without making eye contact with you. You will get the benefits of playing for a crowd of thousands! You will acquire a new friend group of homeless people, who really do offer
How am I going to pay that off?
interesting conversation, and professionals who have reached a mid-life crisis and pause to listen, and possibly cry, to your music during their lunch hour. You’ll make $2-$13 a day, resulting in an
Sincerely,
annual income of around $2,352!
Emerging From the Microcosm of NEC The last career suggestion I will offer to you is to find a new-age hipster (seek them out in Pavement coffee stores across Boston) and talk them into starting a business with you: A music therapy clinic for the overly-stressed wealthy folk. This will probably be your most lucrative option. You can
Dr. Paul is a new addition to NEC with a Master’s degree in Social Work and a PhD in Ornithology. By the good Doctor’s side is his loyal secretary Madame Sophia. Together, they are hoping to make a positive and helpful impact on the NEC student body by providing us with advice and gentle suggestions. Stay tuned for Dr. Paul’s advice next year!
charge staggering amounts of money for these people to come in and experience the “healing powers” of music. You will get the change to exercise your musical freedom and your affinity for spouting bulls**t. You will acquire a new friend group... Well, your clients might not want to be friends with a lowly musician, but you will have a vast knowledge of their deepest secrets, so they will at least have to pretend to like you! You’ll make $180 a day, resulting in an annual income of around $51,840! (Unfortunately, most of these earnings will go to your business partner, a young 20-something named Gemini Firebird, who completely screw you over because NEC never gave you any instruction on how to read any sort of contract or handle finances in general.) Sincerely, Dr. Paul
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MAY, 2016
The Penguin is run entirely by current students here at NEC. Its purpose is to give a voice, away from the stage, for any student who would like to get involved. If you would like to become a Writer and have your voice heard, get in touch with us!
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Umar Zakaria
“Doctor Paul”
Co-Editor
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Advice Column
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