BU Tanglewood Institute: Alumni Testimonials

From Mae Bender (BUTI’23):
I had an amazing experience. For the first time ever, I was surrounded by people who really got what I do and really understood the art form I spend my time on. I am a very anxious person socially and I was so nervous about meeting everyone. I got assigned three roommates and while that might seem intimidating especially for someone like me I felt immediately embraced and welcomed. I grew so much musically and I also made amazing friendships with incredible people who inspire me so much. Once I got back from Tanglewood I noticed a significant improvement in my voice and I have also not stopped thinking about the John Williams performance since it happened because that was the coolest thing ever. Overall it was a 10/10 experience and I am really hoping to have the opportunity to come back again this summer.

From Lazuli Clark (BUTI’23):
Shortly after attending BUTI, I began writing my personal essay for college applications and I wrote it about my experiences at Tanglewood. I entitled it: “The Summer That Saved My Life”. Granted, I am definitely one for the dramatics, but I do genuinely feel that BUTI completely changed who I am. While at BUTI, I met people from all across the country and even outside of the country who were all there because, like me, they loved music. I had never been around so many people from different walks of life and so many different perspectives. It was in this melting pot of ideas and passions, that I found myself at home. I made quick friends with my dorm mates and they will probably remain my friends for a very, very long time. No memories will ever replace the late nights I spent getting tarot card readings and watching poorly made gay-romance movies in Hawthorne. Most importantly, my time at BUTI taught me to love myself and to love living. I remember one day telling my mom that before Tanglewood, I “didn’t realize I could wake up everyday and look forward to everything the day had in store for me.” It was this shift in perspective that brought about the aforementioned title of my personal essay, for I do genuinely believe the friends and confidence I gained from BUTI have set me on a path of self-fulfillment and happiness. If that’s not what the arts are all about, then what is?

From Queenie (Feiyue) Dai (BUTI’23):
BUTI is truly a magical experience. The nature may take a little time to get used to, but once you’re in the zone, you won’t want to come out. Morning walks are so peaceful and so refreshing. Walking through the hills surrounded by music is just such an amazing experience. I learned so much even though it was only a two-week workshop. My teachers, Professor Toote and Professor Krimsier were very supportive and just wonderful. BUTI is a place of music and love. It is a place I would go over and over again and never get tired.

From Liam DeRosa (BUTI’22,’23):
My 2 summers at BUTI were life-changing, to say the least. I was accepted into the Young Artists Orchestra for the first time in 2022 as a high school freshman, with the expectation of going to enhance my skills at the viola and make connections with high-profile artists and teachers. BUTI gave me that, and MORE! Besides making rapid progress on my instrument both as a soloist and ensemble player, and working with high-level artist-teachers, BUTI taught me all about being a good networker, professional person and colleague, and above all- it massively improved my social confidence. Being in an environment with other students my age who had the same passions and goals as I did allowed me to comfortably put myself out there, and that mindset and attitude has helped me everywhere I go in life. Beyond good personal and musical skills for the classical music field, BUTI was also the one place that made me feel truly treated like a young adult. It’s the only place that has ever made me entirely responsible for waking up and getting to rehearsals and classes, and the only place that has made me feel 100% responsible for my decisions. Having all of these massive improvements as a musician and person made BUTI feel like my home-away-from-home (which it still is), and motivated me to return for the 2023 season.

In 2023, BUTI gave me a new experience in the String Quartet Workshop, which forever changed the way I think, feel, practice, and perform as a chamber musician. I also returned to the Young Artists Orchestra, the program that made me love BUTI, this time being seated as principal for the cycle 2 concert and performing in several community engagement events. Getting these honors and recognitions, as well as reconnecting with old friends and making new ones allowed me to hone in the skills BUTI taught me in 2022 to an even deeper level. This made me feel like I can always demand more from myself, and go into every situation thinking solely about the person and player I want to come across as. I owe BUTI so much. I would not be the person, musician, and networker I am today without the shaping that they gave me. I am so lucky to still be in touch with the faculty, guest artists, administrators, RAs, and friends that I met there (including now being in the regular private studio of a BUTI faculty member!) Thank you, BUTI! <3

From Tanav Gowda (BUTI’23):
It was an incredibly life changing experience, filled with countless memories that I will never forget. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone, both musically and socially. I really grew there and I’m proud of my accomplishments over the summer, but I’m mostly just grateful for the overall experience and grateful for the opportunity to gain such great knowledge from such expert musicians.

From Onika Gray (BUTI’23):
While sending in recorded material for college auditions, I was contacted by one of the bassoon professors in Boston who was reviewing my playing. After hearing me, she informed me about BUTI, I sent in my application, and I was accepted! The first thing I noticed upon arriving at BUTI was how lovely the campus was. The energy was unmatchable! It was music to my ears (literally) to hear fellow members practicing and collaborating with each other. Wherever I was on campus, I was surrounded by my hard-working peers, whether that be in the dorms, in the practice rooms, or just out in the grass. The faculty was amazing as well as our RAs. Everyone was so kind and genuinely wanted the students at BUTI to get the most out of their experience. I made tons of friends who helped me grow and wanted to see me succeed. The balance between working and leisurely time was tremendous as well! I got to explore the town, go to concerts, and spend time with friends while simultaneously getting a lot of practicing and coaching in. If there is one music camp I would recommend, it would be BUTI!

Declan Johnston (BUTI’23)
When I found out the exciting news about being accepted into BUTI, my head spun. My friends and teachers had talked about the elite quality of the summer camp in Lenox, Massachusetts, and being accepted was a huge honor. When I first walked into the doors of the main building I could feel the comfort of being with people like myself; people that enjoy music and want more of it! As I progressed more into the camp, I made connections and created lifelong friends that I am sure to see again. The success of BUTI even carried back to my hometown in Atlanta, Georgia where I advertised the successes of BUTI to fellow musicians in a performance setting! If I could go back, I would. Tanglewood made me feel what true love and happiness was all about.

From Acadia Kunkel (BUTI’23):
Upon arrival at the BUTI campus on July 2, I was so nervous. It was an absolute privilege to be at BUTI and I wondered if I could be a successful as the other students. But as soon as I stepped foot in Groton and set up my dorm, I instantly knew that this would be my home for the next six weeks. If I’m going to be completely honest, I’m not the most social person at home. I lack the confidence needed to meet new people. But on my first bus ride back from rehearsal, I was able to meet my best friend in the entire world, Declan Johnston. Throughout the six weeks, Declan and I created a bond like none other. This friendship was so strong that two weeks after leaving BUTI, I drove to Georgia to go visit him. We still talk every single day, and along with Jose Aguilar, we were the “BUTI power trio.” In addition to friendship, BUTI is an incredible institution for musical improvement. During the six weeks, I worked with three of the most fabulous conductors I’ve ever met, and the rehearsals were always an absolute blast. The music was expertly chosen and our concerts were other worldly. In addition, at BUTI , you will absolutely fall in love with your private teachers. I don’t think I have ever felt as passionate or as intrigued about my solo repertoire as I was during my studies with professor Kwok. In addition to private lessons and orchestral rehearsals, the intense sectionals were some of my favorite moments of BUTI , and my chamber group was a fabulous group of young musicians, all striving towards a similar goal. Another one of my favorite musical moments from BUTI was professor Weavers music theory class. Just being inside of his class was an unforgettable experience and he was such an amazing instructor and made his class a joy and absolute privilege. BUTI also fosters an incredible environment. From meals together in the dining hall, to concerts at Tanglewood, playing Uno with Manuel the RA, and even the incredibly supportive bus drivers who will pick you up on the side of the road when you’re running to Trinity Church in 5 inch heels so you don’t miss your dress rehearsal, the BUTI family will always be there for you.

Although this may sound overwhelming, the BUTI experience is incredibly fun. Declan and I would often busk in town and then use our money to buy a nice dinner. Some of my favorite moments include shopping around in Loeb’s, the local supermarket with the greatest meatball heroes, walking around campus, getting ice cream at Sweet Dreams, and getting to experience every single Tanglewood concert. I don’t think I have ever seen so many concerts in a row, but I made it my duty to attend as many as I could. I was able to watch the BSO almost every night, and even meet my heroes after the shows like Joshua Bell and Hilary Hahn. One of my favorite BUTI memories is after the Tanglewood on Parade concert. Last minute, Declan and I decided to go see the BSO at Tanglewood on parade, and besides the program being insane, as we were walking to the parking lot, the fireworks went off behind us, and it was a truly magical end to an incredible day. Being on stage at Ozawa Hall and the main stage of Tanglewood changed my life. Sometimes I’ll talk about my time at Tanglewood to my best friend at home, and although she listens, I don’t think she’ll ever fully understand why I was so moved during my time at BUTI. The truth is, BUTI is an experience that has to be lived to be truly understood.

Finally, BUTI has opened up so many doors for me since I left on August 12. For starters, my bestie from BUTI, Amie Shen, proposed that I audition for the New York Youth Symphony, an organization that I would not have known about if it weren’t for BUTI. After Amie proposed that I audition, I decided to go for it, and while I was in the room the assistant conductor, Adrian, started asking me about my BUTI experience as he himself was an alumnus, and wanted to know how our conductor Paul Haas was doing. I got into the New York Youth Symphony and it has been just as incredible as BUTI was for me. Without my time at Tanglewood, I never would’ve been able to be a part of this incredible group. I’m being 100% serious when I say that BUTI changed my life and I would not be the person that I am today without my time at Tanglewood. I will always remember making root beer floats in the cafeteria, going to paint a rock night, and most importantly, that the best practice room was and always will be Rhode Island. I’ll never forget how life altering it was to play Mahler 6 at Ozawa Hall, or meet my best friend.

From Norah Lougachi (BUTI’23):
At BUTI, I worked with professionals who work and sing classical and opera music. The program was very intensive. I worked with voice coaches, diction specialists, and music theory teachers. I also spent time with people who have sung at well-known opera venues. My daily curriculum included learning new songs and arias by breaking them down and studying the languages in which they are sung. There were also many opportunities for performing. You cannot duplicate an experience like this one.

From Vonn Vanier (BUTI’22,’23):
For any young classical musician, BUTI is a magical experience. It is wonderful to be surrounded by such incredibly high caliber musicians and to hear astoundingly professional performances from the faculty every evening. I will never forget walking up the path in the mornings and listening to the sounds of students practicing a variety of instruments in the practice sheds. My skills vastly grew in the two summers I attended Tanglewood, and every session is engaging and informative. It’s a learning experience no student forgets.

From Austin Vitello (BUTI’23):
I can’t speak more highly of my experience as a bassoonist in the 2023 Young Artists Orchestra. In addition to playing in a phenomenal orchestra with great musicians and conductors on the historic Tanglewood grounds, I enjoyed my lessons with BUTI staff and BSO musicians. In addition, the chamber music opportunities were fantastic, and the opportunity to attend concerts performed by a world class orchestra and the TMC fellows is something unique to BUTI. Tanglewood is definitely an amazing place like no other.

From Max von der Ohe (BUTI’23):
I had a transformative experience at BUTI. Going in, I was already a motivated, serious, and passionate trumpet player. Through the dedicated mentoring of Terry Everson, the camaraderie of my cohort, and the history and atmosphere of Tanglewood, I developed a better understanding of who I want to become as a musician. My summer at BUTI is and will remain one my favorite and most cherished memories!

From Eric Wei (BUTI’22,’23):
I have had a lot of great experiences at BUTI, first at YAO in 2022 and the String Quartet Workshop last year (2023). YAO was my first sleepaway camp experience post-pandemic, so it had been 3 summers since I had been away from home for music camp. Right away, I was able to make friends, especially within the cello section, as everyone there loved playing as much as I did. Some of my favorite memories from YAO include going to Sweet Dreams after a chamber concert with friends, getting to meet Yuja Wang, Leonidas Kavakos, Thomas Wilkins, and Joshua Bell after concerts at Tanglewood, and getting to play on the stage of Koussevitzky Shed as principal cello for Mahler 1!

I loved BUTI so much that I went back next year for the 2-week string quartet workshop and had an equally meaningful experience. Even though the workshop was much shorter than YAO in terms of time, I was able to connect with my chamber groups during both weeks, and get to work with amazing faculty, many of whom are faculty at BU.

From Bethany Yang (BUTI’23):
My time at BUTI was a transformative experience for me. Being surrounded by truly passionate musicians was inspiring, and some of the people I met at BUTI are my closest friends now. During rehearsals, my quartet and I would flip between sorting out our stylistic choices in the Beethoven quartet we were playing and cracking jokes that had each other doubling over with laughter. We really understood each other, both in our sense of musicality and esoteric musical humor that other people normally wouldn’t understand. Beyond the supportive peers I encountered, our coaches talked with us about the story behind the music we played and helped us define even the rests and silences in our piece. String Quartet Workshop was a very constructive environment where we had the opportunity to receive feedback from all the coaches, not just ours, and also hear all the other quartets in the rehearsal stage. Learning not just personally, but from others as well, really enhanced my growth as a musician, and seeing everyone’s hard work pay off at the final concert was extremely gratifying.