Festival's Summer Music Event Backed by Oberlin College Financing

In the heart of Ohio, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music stands as a beacon for aspiring artists. One such student, who chose Oberlin for its comprehensive support in every aspect of life, including funding for various adventures, recently embarked on an unforgettable summer journey.

This year, the student was awarded the Summer Experience Funding, enabling them to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Chicago Summer Opera as a young artist. Last summer, this same grant helped cover their travel expenses to and from their job at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp.

The student's artistic journey during the music program was nothing short of remarkable. They were offered the coveted role of the cover (understudy) for the leading male character in Handel's opera, Alcina. In addition to this, they were appointed as the assistant director and stage manager of the production.

The student's hard work and dedication paid off when they performed the full opera as their character in the production's cover run. One of the most pivotal scenes in the opera, a scene their character was central to, was meticulously staged by the student. They spent four months preparing for the role to the best of their ability.

The student's summer was not just about performing, though. They calculated their expenses carefully, finding a low-cost apartment to sublet in uptown Chicago to lower their estimated cost of living. They also took proactive steps to enhance their professional development, scheduling an appointment with Susan Ellinger in the professional development department of the conservatory to refine their resume and artist bio.

The Summer Experience Funding program, a need-based grant open to freshmen and sophomores at Oberlin, has been instrumental in making three out of four of the student's winter terms and summers possible. The student is deeply grateful for this support, as well as the various grants they've received.

Directing has always been a special interest of the student, as indicated by their double-degree studies at Oberlin in Voice & Theater. They met wonderful people through their cast who are likely to be lifelong friends. The student also enjoyed the challenge of going back and forth between playing the role of Ruggiero and the role of Assistant Director.

The name of the Career Advisor at the professional development office of the Oberlin Conservatory who helps with résumé and artist bio improvement is not explicitly stated in the available search results. However, the student worked closely with a career advisor in the department to explore low-cost options and submit their application for the Summer Experience Funding.

This summer marked the student's first collegiate summer music program, and it was a resounding success. They attended the program with the support of Oberlin and various grants, and they look forward to future opportunities to grow as an artist.