It’s Alumni Friday! Today we’re catching up with…
Caroline Scism, YAHS 2009
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Caroline Scism attended YAHS in 2009, and now works in Ticket Services for the Nashville Symphony.
What year did you attend YAHS and how old were you?
I attended YAHS in 2009 when I was 20 years old.
Where did/do you attend college, what major, and what is your current occupation?
I graduated in 2011 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Biology and Music. I also graduated from Belmont University in 2013 with a Master’s Degree in Harp Pedagogy. Currently, I work at the Nashville Symphony Box Office as a Ticket Services Specialist. In addition, I teach harp and play with the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra, a community orchestra that performs 8 free concerts during the year.
Do you remember your solo recital piece at YAHS?
My solo recital piece at YAHS was “Gavotte” from Carlos Salzedo’s Suite of Eight Dances. I performed that piece in the masterclass with Bridget Kibbey.
What is your most memorable moment from YAHS? (good or bad!)
My most memorable moment was during the harp ensemble performance of Bach’s “Bouree,” I took the time to look at some of my fellow harpists as we played to really take in the incredible moment of having 10+ harps on stage at once. It was my first experience of performing with that many harpists and I didn’t want to forget the beautiful sound and visual aspects of that many harpists performing.
Did you learn anything at YAHS that you still carry with you in your present life?
During the class on orchestral playing, I remember a discussion about how there are three roles of the harp in orchestral works: accompaniment, texture, and [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][solo]. It has made me think about how others view the harp based on its historical role and how important it is for harpists (and composers) to continually push the boundaries of the harp. I ended up writing a Master’s Degree thesis that included a discussion on that topic.
Anything else you want to share with past and future YAHS students?
I would like to share with YAHS students that the most important lesson from camp is to allow yourself to feel the ups and downs of being challenged. The biggest growth as a musician (and as an individual) came not as I was learning a piece, but when I looked back and saw the challenges I overcame. And don’t forget that not only is it important to take your time seriously during camp, but it is also a time to have fun with others who enjoy putting up with a eighty-one pound instrument. 🙂
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