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    Thornton Student Ambassadors Look Forward

    By Deanna Gasparyan

    With summer in full swing, the ten returning Student Ambassadors describe the internships, travels and projects they are most looking forward to.


    A smiling college student.

    Emily Hsu
    Majors: Violin and Business

    My internship is in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. I will be working at Cisco Systems as a Corporate Finance Intern! I won’t be participating in any music festivals, but I will be competing in a chamber music competition with one of my best friends from Thornton.

    A smiling college student.

    Gabriel Griswold
    Major: Composition

    From May 15th to June 8th, I’ll attend a Maymester in Paris for the class ARTL 310. From June 26th to July 10th, I will be the assistant director of composition for Vienna Summer Music Festival.

    A smiling college student.

    Daniela Santiago
    Major: Classical Guitar

    This summer I will be a Production and Engagement Intern at KMFA 89.5, a classical radio station in Austin, Texas. I’ll also be working remotely as a Production and Marketing Intern at Sparkes Entertainment in Los Angeles and as a Teaching Assistant for the Classical Guitar Intensive at Interlochen Arts Academy. I’m returning as an alum (Class of 2021), so I’m excited to be back!

    A smiling college student.

    Joshua Wilson
    Major: Popular Music

    This summer I will be working at KTSU 90.9 Radio in Houston, Texas as a Marketing/Media Intern. As the radio station is a sponsor for many of the city’s summer music events, I get to enjoy them all while gaining valuable work experience in the music and media industries.

    A smiling college student.

    Ella Kaale
    Major: Composition

    In June, I will be attending New Music on the Point Festival in Lake Dunmore, Vermont, premiering a new piece called “baby mine” for four-hand prepared piano. In July, I will be participating in Composing in the Wilderness, hosted by Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival and Alaska Geographic. I’ll be backcountry hiking in Denali National Park, then writing a piece based on the experience, which will be rehearsed and premiered in Fairbanks and Denali.

    A smiling college student.

    Caleb Durant
    Major: French Horn

    I’m working for Gropius Productions and Fifth Circle Audio as an audio engineer and video production specialist. I also work as a contractor for the Colburn School and do a lot of live sound, live-streaming and recording work there as well.

    A smiling college student.

    Oliviana Marie
    Major: Composition

    I have been music assisting on a new musical at the Mark Taper Forum called TRANSPARENT. I am also assisting director Alberto Arvelo on a production of “Cantata Criolla” with the San Diego Symphony. I have been commissioned by Brightwork Ensemble to compose a piece for their Impulse New Music Festival in Los Angeles. I will also spend two weeks at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center in Waterford, Connecticut, where I have been chosen as one of eight 2023 Cabaret Fellows.

    A smiling college student.

    George Tyler Heffley
    Majors: Music Industry and Jazz Guitar

    For the first part of my summer, I attended a Maymester in London. A week after that ended, I started my internship at Warner Records in the A&R department.

    A smiling college student.

    Rosie Ding
    Majors: Choral Music and Public Relations

    I am participating in a Game Operations & Entertainment Internship with the Los Angeles Sparks. I’ll be attending a Maymester in Paris, France for three-and-a-half weeks to learn about music and dance in Paris salon culture. This involves experiencing French culture through museum visits, travels to gardens and chapels, and attending operas and ballets!

    A smiling college student.

    Ajani Harris
    Major: Vocal Arts

    I will be attending the Bayview Music Festival’s African American Spirituals Intensive in Petoskey, Michigan.

    TAGS: Choral and Sacred Music, Classical Guitar, Composition, Jazz Studies, Popular Music, Strings, Student Ambassadors, Studio Guitar, Vocal Arts and Opera, Winds and Percussion,

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