GUNN ARTS
Music Program Supports a Well-Rounded Student Experience
Eujin Shin ’21 started playing violin when she was in second grade, but by the time she started middle school in her hometown in Michigan, she realized she would have to give up music if she wanted to concentrate on sports. One of her coaches told her she would have to make a choice, or would not make the cross country team. All that changed when she arrived at The Frederick Gunn School, where Shin happily resumed playing violin and joined the String Ensemble, and helped to lead the Varsity Cross Country Team to a New England Championship win in 2019. In her senior year, she enrolled in the Advanced Level String Ensemble, was elected prefect, played JV Girls Basketball and Girls Varsity Lacrosse, and excelled academically. “Ever since I was little, I wanted to have a wide range of hobbies,” Shin said, and being involved in the Music Program at The Frederick Gunn School influenced her habits in other areas, including sports and academics. “By taking music, I learned to be more consistent, because I knew that practicing for 30 minutes once a week is not going to get me anywhere. It’s not that you practice
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The Frederick Gunn School Bulletin
one day and then you’re done with it. You have to go back every day and be consistent.” The schedule at The Frederick Gunn School also allows students to try new things, and develop new skills. “When I joined as a new junior last year, kids were playing hockey, singing, starring in the
In addition to helping students develop individual musicianship and mastery of their instrument, students in our program learn how to work together as part of a group, practice accountability and consistency, and nurture what I hope will be a lifelong love of music and performance.” – Ron Castonguay, Director of the Arts and Music Director
