Rehearsals for the spring semester’s Conservatory events and ensembles started immediately after students returned from winter break, leaving little time for adjustment back to campus and their new schedules, especially for first-year students.  

Maribell Salazar, a first-year vocal performance major, said it was a little “jump scare” having to start instantly, but she knew it was coming. She performed in BW’s recent production of the opera “We’ve Got Our Eye on You,” which ran from Feb. 3-5.  

“The show was a month away by the time we were coming back to school, so I knew it was inevitable,” Salazar said.  

Many ensembles on campus also started right at the beginning of the semester. Skyler Bruno, a first-year arts management major and music minor, switched to the Motet choir this semester, whose rehearsals started on the first night back from break. The switch brought a slight change to their schedule.   

Bruno said the adjustment “was a little wonky,” but they did not find jumping right into rehearsals too difficult.  

Jordan Moore-Stone, a first-year music industry major, shared a similar experience. He said that BW Singers began promptly, starting with 11 new pieces for the semester. He said it had been an adjustment to devote enough time to practicing all the pieces.  

Individual practice time is essential for Conservatory students. Leah Kania, a first-year vocal performance major, explained how she mostly learned music individually and received feedback in her private lessons. She had to adapt her practice time to fit within her new schedule.  

“We constantly are learning so much material. … If you don’t do one thing for a week, it can easily snowball,” Salazar said.  

Nevertheless, Bruno, Kania, Moore-Stone and Salazar all expressed that they have become more comfortable with their schedules as the semester has progressed.  

Salazar said her classes and ensembles have helped her develop organizational skills to manage her study and rehearsal times.   

“[Being in the Conservatory] has made me more of a hard worker than ever before,” Salazar said. “It means you’re getting to where you want to be one day.”  

Moore-Stone said he adjusted to this semester by acknowledging the variety of the many pieces being prepared by BW Singers. He has looked at it optimistically and noted how it helps him grow as a singer.  

Kania also expressed that she has seen herself grow from last semester to now, as she is more confident and willing to try new things in her performances. Her fellow first-year vocal performance classmates have helped her become more comfortable, and they have “become more like a family,” she said.  

With rehearsals already underway, these students are preparing for more exciting events this semester at the Conservatory.  

For example, Bruno, Kania and Salazar are all a part of the Motet Choir. They said the choir has begun preparing for BW’s Bach Festival, happening April 21-23. It has brought them joy and excitement for their performances, and they are looking forward to it.  

“I get to do the big thing the Conservatory is known for! That’s so exciting,” Bruno said.