July 27, 2024

Manhattan School of Music classes are out for the summer, and MSM students are busy doing exciting things! Many are participating in summer music festivals, performing, or teaching in locations across the globe, as well as taking time to relax and be with family.

We reached out to nine students who tell us about their summer activities, and how they are spending their time.

Hannah Jeané Jones (MM ’24), Classical Voice

Hannah: “I will be performing in The Metropolitan Opera’s 2024 Summer Recital Series, which features five free concerts throughout New York City. Here are the dates and locations where I will be performing: June 24 at 7 PM — Jackie Robinson Park (Manhattan), June 26 at 7 PM — Williamsbridge Oval (Bronx), June 28 at 7 PM — Socrates Sculpture Park (Queens).”

Zaire Brown (BM ’27), Musical Theatre

Zaire Brown, right.

Zaire: “This summer I am staying in Andersen Hall working as a Summer RA (resident assistant). I will be taking some students to Coney Island, on the Staten Island Ferry, and sharing new experiences with them. This will be my first summer in NYC, so I’ll be exploring as much as I can and going to as many events as possible. While I plan on enjoying myself to the fullest, I am also using this time to watch Broadway shows and going to dance classes at Broadway Dance Center to keep working on my skills.”

Jacob Eddy (BM ’27), Classical Composition

Jacob Eddy, center.

Jacob: “This summer I am interning at the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio! I’m helping them organize their upcoming season, Summer Symphony Camp, and community outreach. I am also returning to my job at Nordstrom as a sales associate. I’m starting to put together a small studio to give lessons on string instruments.

Other than working, I’m spending time with family and friends. Going on small trips to the beach and to other cities in Texas, going on hikes early in the morning, and spending relaxing days at home is what I’m looking forward to this summer.”

Peter Ecklund (PS ’24), Orchestral Bassoon

Peter: “I will be a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center.”

Sarah Yang (BM ’27), Classical Piano

Sarah: “I’m participating in two music festivals as a classical pianist this summer. First I’ll be going to the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival in Tampa, Florida. It runs from June 27 to July 17. I will also be participating in the Kaufman SummerFest which runs from August 19 to 24. I’m spending the rest of the summer in my hometown of Vancouver, Canada, with my family and friends.”

Karen Tay (DMA ’24), Classical Harp

Karen: “I am very excited for a summer of both rest and exciting opportunities. My biggest upcoming event would be my first debut recital in Singapore as the artist of Kris Foundation annual recital series, which will be held on August 23 at the Esplanade Recital Studio. I will also be giving the world premier of a solo harp work by a Singaporean composer who was commissioned to write a piece for the recital.”

Danny Navarrete-Estassi (MM ’24), Classical Voice

Danny: “I will be singing Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro with La Musica Lirica in Italy.”

Haerin Kim (MM ’18, DMA ’25), Classical Collaborative Piano

Haerin: “I am attending the Aspen Music Festival and School as an Instrumental and Vocal Collaborative Piano Fellow this summer. This is my third time to participate in this festival, and I am looking forward to meeting new people and working with fabulous musicians.”

Malik Hamza (BM ’27), Classical Tenor Trombone

Malik: “Recently I competed in the International Trombone Festival’s Gilberto Gagliardi 18 and under Tenor Trombone Competition and was a finalist. For the rest of the summer, I’ll be spending time with loved ones and family before going to Albuquerque to compete in the Southwest Trombone Conference in August.”