PG. 4
PG. 8
MEET NEC’S NEWEST MEMBER OF STAFF, JOY SHI!
GET TO KNOW YOUR ORIENTATION PALS!
ARE YOU A WORKAHOLIC?
PG. 6
PG. 12
PGs. 2 & 4
GREAT IDEAS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF BOSTON.
JOIN THE SAC’S ORIENTATION ACTIVITES.
THE PENGUIN
ISSUE 61
AUGUST 25, 2014
N E C ’ S S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S PA P E R
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
Welcome (Back) To A New Year At New England Conservatory! The Penguin is SO excited for the new school year, and we hope you are too! We have so many great things coming up throughout the year, and a couple of pretty great things already in the orientation issue right now in your hands. If you’re new to NEC: WELCOME! We hope you enjoy your time here as much as we have. If you’re curious about The Penguin, join our current writers at our first Penguin Party on Wednesday, September 10th at 7pm. Enjoy some free pizza, meet new people, and help us brainstorm ideas for future issues! In this issue, we have some great advice from Sophie and Frankie
on how to make the most of your time in Boston, Casey’s humorous take on overwork, a profile of the brand new (and extremely cool) member of staff Joy Shi, an opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of your orientation pals, a look at some great local destinations around NEC, and some reminders for a few really fun activities organized by the Student Activities Center. We can’t wait to see you soon, and make sure to find us online at facebook.com/thepenguinnewspaper, Instagram at /ThePenguinNEC, and Twitter @ThePenguinNEC!
YES, THIS PIZZA COULD BE YOURS ... ... IF YOU COME TO
THE PENGUIN PARTY!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 | 7 P.M. | KELLER ROOM (located next to the Beethoven statue in Jordan)
NO COMMITMENT + ALL THE PIZZA YOU COULD EVER CARE TO EAT, FREE. 2
AUGUST 25, 2014
penguin CULTURE Overcoming Overwhelming
by SOPHIA ADICKES Third-year BM Voice
SOPHIA ADICKES ASSURES US IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR At this point, you’ve hopefully made it through the endless
that change should not be feared, but rather embraced with
week of testing, placement auditions, and non-stop introduc-
open arms. Throwing yourself into new situations and taking
tions. In addition to forgetting names, you’re probably a little
that leap out of your comfort zone stretches you as a person,
nervous about adjusting to a conservatory environment, a
proving to be both a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
new city, and dorm life. The good news is: you’re not alone!
After moving eight times in my life, I’ve become a veteran of
recommend taking time between rehearsals and class to
the unfamiliar.
explore your new home. To help you get started, I thought I
would suggest a few ways to get better acquainted with one
Being a person that craves structure in my life, mov-
ing every few years was no easy task. However, I’ve learned
Although finding free time can be difficult, I highly
of America’s greatest cities.
Walk Familiarizing yourself with the area is one of the best ways to feel more at home. The Fens and Boston Common are both great places to people watch and see nature progress through the seasons. If you have a few hours to spare, get lost wandering down the streets, savoring the architecture and history that is Boston.
Listen In addition to the weekly concerts at Jordan, make sure to take advantage of all the other musical opportunities Boston has to offer. Boston is home to hundreds of music venues, and as an NEC student you can see some of the world’s greatest musicians for free at the BSO.
Join After checking out all of the great NEC organizations, try to make connections outside of the school. A life separate from NEC will help you feel more established within the city. So consider different groups around Boston, join a gym, get a job, volunteer, or find a new hobby. Now is the time to explore new interests as you adjust to your new life.
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
3
Workaholism
by CASEY JONES Second-Year MM Trombone
A SOCIAL SYNDROME
Symptoms are mild at first; typically mental exhaustion and
make their decisive kill. The farmer knows that the greater
physical fatigue are the first to arise. Some may develop an
the profit he wants to turn, the more land he’ll have to till.
addiction to coffee, eventually leading to an intense phobia
Similarly, we musicians must spend many hours in a practice
of sleeping and other forms of rest. The addict may expe-
room to produce just one beautiful, fleeting performance, let
rience feelings of anxiety. They may seem detached and
alone be paid to do it.
distracted. They only have work on their mind. At this stage,
the word obsession falls short: the afflicted may permanently
work doesn’t always produce good results. In the case of the
withdraw from society, ceasing contact with friends and fam-
workaholic, the relationship can be cruelly inversed; work
Sadly, while producing good work is hard, hard
ily, skipping class, colleagues recit-
for work’s sake is unproductive
als, and even birthday parties just
and discouraging at best. The
to get one more rep of that sweet,
workaholic is the hunter so hun-
sweet Mahler. The problem is, that
gry that he overlooks the signs
last rep was even worst than the
and tracks around him, losing
last and you may feel worse off
the trail of his prey. He is the
than when you started.
farmer so eager that he sows
more than he can reap, result-
Sound familiar? Then it’s
more than likely you’re a worka-
ing in the death of his crops.
holic, and you’re one of millions
The workaholic is the musician
to have developed an addiction to
whose ambition fuels them to
their work.
practice three times as long as
they ever should, resulting in
And it’s no wonder: In
a fast paced world where over-
a burnt-out, forgettable perfor-
worked is the baseline and the
mance.
words “neurotically obsessed” are
So how do you ride the
often pronounced “responsible”
fine line between laziness
Boston is a workaholic incubator.
and workaholism all the way
There are a whopping sixty sec-
to successtown? It’s actually
ondary educational institutions in
quite easy (in theory) if you
the greater Boston area, drawing
govern yourself by two simple
a swarm of some of the bright-
principles. First of all: quality
est young minds on the planet.
over quantity 100% of the time
Boston’s most recent set of demo-
(even if quantity is your goal,
graphics reveals that an incredible
make sure its quality quantity).
35% of Boston’s population is between the ages of 20 and
Second: all work and no play makes jack a dull boy (and a
34. That’s nearly 250,000 humans! Now, realize that all
crappy musician.) That is, devote yourself fully to your work
these students will be made to compete over a relative hand-
when you’re in your workspace, but be sure to balance it out
ful of paying jobs. The only way to succeed is to be dedicat-
with an equal amount of fun. Take a deep breath and relax.
ed to producing good quality work.
Watch some Doctor Who! (Editor’s note: the author wrote the
previous sentence completely of their own volition. Promise!)
And that’s where it starts. “Work hard, and you’ll
succeed,” is something that’s been a part of our lives since
the beginning of time. The hunter who wants to feed his
Frankie Yu’s article, “Things To Do In Boston,” for some great
family spends days hungry, tracking prey for miles until they
ideas!
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AUGUST 25, 2014
And if you’ve forgotten how to relax, check out
Things To Do In Boston
by FRANKIE YU Second-year MM Trombone
A GUIDE TO USING YOUR TIME OFF WELL
Boston isn’t just a great city, it is an inspiring city. It is beauti-
indoors all day and night in the safety of our heated rooms,
ful, old, and rich with history and culture with an abundance
but embrace the cold! Go ice skating! The Boston Common
of sites to see. And yes, we should all take the opportunity of
Frog Pond turns into an ice skating rink from mid November
living here and see the typical Boston things– they are famous
until March. Take the green line T to the Park Street stop and
for a reason right? Aside from these, there are also many sim-
emerge right out into the Boston Commons. Renting ice skates
ple pleasures right in our own neighborhood that won’t take
is easy and levels range from beginner to advanced. Never
too much time out of your practice schedule and will get you
ice skated? Never fear! I brought an NEC friend there who
outside ... into the sunlight (that I know some of us so greatly
had never done it before, and he was skating around in no
need)!
time!
I want to focus on and share with you a few of the
Finally, after winter has stayed long past its welcome
things that I have explored and done throughout the different
and just when you start to lose hope that it will never leave,
seasons of my past year in Boston; a plus considering how
spring will arrive! My favorite thing during the spring was to
close they all are to school. Yay for the outdoors!
buy a cheap loaf of bread and head over to Back Bay Fens
(the park behind the MFA) just off of Huntington Ave. and
While it is still summer outside, venture over to the
Charles river and walk along the water. Stare at the people
feed the geese and the ducks. It’s amazing how many birds
walking on a tightrope, find yourself a spot on a pier and
(and the occasional squirrel) come flocking your way and
lay in the sun and read a book. Or rent a kayak and paddle
how fast that loaf goes. Alternatively, go back to the Charles
along the river for a little bit. Alternatively, biking is a fan-
river (it really is great all year round) and take advantage of
tastic way to get around the city. If you don’t own your own
the weather before the humidity and heat get to the point of
bike, you can rent a Hubway bike (located on Mass Ave. out-
being annoying.
side the Christian Science Plaza) and ride along the Charles
river. It’s a great way to see the water and different parts of
on Newbury St. holds a trivia night every Friday at 8:30pm
Boston. Bonus: If you do this in the fall you will be able to wit-
on their second floor. The questions are original (and also
ness the famous changing colour of the leaves that everyone
very hard) and the host, Max, is super cool.
talks about– a site that cannot be matched with a photo.
and they bring you a free (refillable!) bowl of chips!
When the icy cold winter comes (and believe me, it’s
coming ... and it’s cold), I know it can be tempting to stay
All year round bonus tip: Trident Booksellers & Cafe
Super bonus: on a tight budget? Just order a drink, So go forth! Assimilate!
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
5
i h S y Jo
penguin SPOTLIGHT BY ANDREW NISSEN
Students aren’t the only “new” people to turn up bright-eyed
During my undergraduate studies, I also studied abroad in
to our wonderful school this August. We also have a new
Spain and Japan.” Joy writes.
member of staff! Joy Shi is the new coordinator of interna-
tional student services and academic advisor, housed in the
and even US students who’ve come from across the coun-
St. Botolph building, and just like our new students she is
try, could relate to studying in a new and different place.
taking in the experience of NEC brand new for the school
What was that experience like for Joy, though? “I loved it …
year.
Obviously, studying in Spain and Japan were very different.
I muse that many international students at NEC,
Joy Shi loves coffee.
I enjoyed both. During both
And that’s a good thing,
programs, I met different
because there is a wealth
people, and improved my un-
of great coffee places in
derstanding of the languages
and around our little corner
and cultures that I was study-
of Boston. The Penguin may
ing a lot more. I only wish
have accidentally slightly
I had more time to fully live
helped this coffee obsession
in and study a new country.
along as Joy discovered
That’s part of the reason why
one of our past issues listing
every year, I try to visit a new
some great places to try,
country if I can.”
and knowing she can’t say
“no” to a coffee date Joy is
great way to live. I ask Joy
determined to find them all!
if, having traveled so widely,
But enough about coffee.
she has a favorite destination.
Let’s talk NEC!
Her answer is as pragmatic
as ever and hints at Joy’s
I heard Joy was
That sounds like a
joining our wonderful staff
openness and love of trying
early August, and despite
new things. “I know this can
not being able to meet in person we “met” over email
sound very cheesy, but ...
TOLD YOU SHE LOVES COFFEE!
the next destination to any
and continued our conversation there. Even over email it’s
new place I have never been may turn out to be my favorite
hard to belie the exuberance that Joy has for her work and
destination. It would be even better if I could live there for
life. A good quality for an international student advisor, Joy
an extensive amount of time,” Joy explains, addaing that to
seems to enjoy traveling; “Personally, I grew up in China,
truly experience the culture she prefers to “visit smaller cities
moved to Venezuela, then moved to the US to finish my
that are not as touristy.”
high school, and went to college at University of Michigan.
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AUGUST 25, 2014
What does Joy love to do in her current home of
from college, I knew I wanted to stay on a college campus and continue being with international students. In addition, during my time as an international student I received much help from peers and teachers, and even strangers! I hope to ‘pass along the blessing’ that I’ve received, and hopefully be able to assist those who might need just a little help moving forward.”
It’s at this time that I start to get really excited about
working with Joy at NEC. Whether you encounter her as an advisor or just in the hallways, it’s clear that her impact will be positively felt throughout the school. I ask if she’s looking forward to anything in particular this year at NEC. “So many things, where do I start!” Joy writes back exuberantly. “One thing that I really look forward to is meeting and getting to know all of the students that I will be advising. I also look forward to learning more about the NEC community in general.”
I think the feeling will be mutual. So, if you pass Joy
in the hallway, or indeed ANY of our wonderful staff who do so much behind the scenes at NEC, say hi, remember they may not be able to turn down a coffee date, and “pass along the blessing” of goodwill. Welcome to Joy, and have JOY AT THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA.
a great school year!
Boston, then? “I love trying different restaurants and attending cultural events around Boston. I’m now excited and hope to attend as many students’ concerts as possible at NEC too.” While not a musician herself, Joy says she loves learning and trying new things, and “I think every type of music has its own unique characteristics … I love them all.”
Sometimes music students can become a bit shel-
tered. Perhaps, not being a music student I wonder if Joy had any advice on avoiding becoming entrenched in our own little world. “Always be willing to try something new, get out of your comfort zone, but also know your limits and boundaries. That way, we know when to stop and say ‘no’, and slowly broaden your comfort zones at your own pace.”
This eventually brings me around to the subject
of work. How does one become an international student services advisor? Well, if you have a passion for traveling and learning new things like Joy does it must be an easy decision! “As you can see from my background I grew up in different cultures, learned different languages, I have been an international student myself, and I love meeting international students from all over the world. After I graduated
JOY ON VACATION IN BALTIMORE.
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
7
GET TO KNOW^YOUR ORIENTATION PALS! (a few of)
DAVID ADEWUMI, JAZZ TRUMPET What do you love about NEC?
I love that the people here are so warm and encouraging. It’s nice to see that people can be so nice and cool even though they are extremeley talented! What advice do you have for new students that you wish you’d known? Long practice sessions do not always equal good practice sessions. It’s better to have an hour of foused practice than six hours of unfocused practice.
JONATHAN GENTRY, OBOE Best NEC survival tip?
Get out of campus and take advantage of what Boston has to offer. It can be easy to stay within a few blocks around NEC and feel trapped in your practice room (especially during the winter months). Go beyond your comfort zone and explore someplace new! What’s your favorite food joint near NEC? Trident Booksellers and Café. It’s about a 15-minute walk from NEC, but well worth it. Try the lemon ricotta stuffed French toast!
MASON GRAINGER, TRUMPET What’s your favorite food joint near NEC?
My favorite food joint is Lucy’s Ethiopian Café, because they have an abundance of exotic and yummy vegan options. What do you do for fun in Boston? For fun I dodge cars on my bicycle on Mass Ave! (Don’t try at home!) Favorite place to practice? Jordan Hall before the security guards kick you out.
8
AUGUST 25, 2014
Quick tip! You can reach any NEC student using the format firstname.lastname@necmusic.edu. If you have any questions about NEC or Boston, feel free to contact one of your orientation pals!
KAREN NOTOVITZ, VOICE
What advice do you have for new students that you wish you’d known? Don’t be too hard on yourselves. If you don’t get something right immediately, don’t get frustrated with yourselves. Progress takes time and everyone struggles at some point but, everyone here has incredible talent. What’s your favorite food joint near NEC? My favorite food joint near NEC would be Pho Basil. There are many Thai restaurants in the area and I really love this one.
ANDREW PORT, OBOE What do you love about NEC?
The level of musicianship amongst your peers at NEC is really astounding, regardless of what major you are. You won’t ever be disappointed with a concert at NEC; the variety of music and the talent in each studio is simply tremendous. What advice do you have for new students that you wish you’d known? Don’t miss a single concert. I guarantee you’ll like something in each one.
MARK TSE, CONDUCTING Best NEC survival tip?
Make as many friends as you can, especially if you’re an international student. It can feel very isolating but the truth is everyone else is also shy and feeling lonely. They’re waiting for you to make the first move. What do you do for fun in Boston? My main activities are getting together for drinks or movies, but I also take tango classes and play badminton at Boston University. I would highly recommend going to check out some theatre at American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge.
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
9
penguin LOCAL We’ve included our pick of some of the best local things around NEC. It may be food, culture, or sightseeing, but it’s all our favorite! Enjoy discovering these new things and many more like them.
PAVEMENT COFFEE
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
44 GAINSBOROUGH ST
700 BOYLSTON ST
An NEC favorite, Pavement is located just across Huntington. Perfect for a quick coffee run, or even better to sit down in their comfy armchairs and people watch.
Located across from the amazing Copley Square, the Central BPL boasts two large building’s worth of materials. Guaranteed to spend hours lost in the aisles searching for the perfect book!
WHOLE FOODS 15 WESTLAND AVE Five minutes walk from school, Whole Foods not only provides quality produce but a diverse selection of pre-made lunch items from their fresh food bar.
NEWBURY ST. All your shopping needs and desires are fulfilled whilst wandering along this famous street. Newbury St. is also a hotspot for great restaurants, and a popular weekend brunch location.
OAKLEAF CAKES
12 WESTLAND AVE For those sweet cravings, visit this relatively new cake shop just around the corner from Symphony Hall. As well as a delectable selection of pastries, Oakleaf make cakes to order for those special occasions.
10
AUGUST 25, 2014
FREEDOM TRAIL This 2.5 mile brick path connects many of Boston’s historical monuments. Start at the Bunker Hill Monument (accessible via the Community College stop on the Orange Line) and end at the beautiful Boston Common.
SYMPHONY SUSHI
PRUDENTIAL CENTER 800 BOYLSTON ST
45 GAINSBOROUGH ST
“The Pru”, as it’s called by locals is an office building that houses a small shopping mall in the lower levels. Includes Barnes & Noble, Microsoft store, and a diverse food court.
If you like sushi, make sure to turn up to this popular destination early as there’s a good reason for the high demand! All lunch specials are under $10.
SYMPHONY HALL 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE The home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall also hosts a range of different performers throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the Celebrity Series!
BACK BAY FENS (BEHIND THE MFA) A great place to take a break and reconnect with nature. Feed the geese. Walk along the paths. Peruse the Kelleher Rose Public Garden.
CITY FEED & SUPPLY 672 CENTER ST If you live in Jamaica Plain, this place will surely be a favorite within no time. City Feed boasts an eclectic selection of groceries, but more importantly it makes some of the best sandwiches around.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 465 HUNTINGTON AVE One of Boston’s absolute gems! Located a short walk (or one T stop) along Huntington, all NEC students receive free MFA admission simply by showing a current student ID.
THE HAVEN
2 PERKINS ST Another Jamaica Plain staple, The Haven features a large selection of Scottish foods and drinks. With a great homey atmosphere, there’s no better way to dive in and try out your first haggis!
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
11
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 5:30 P.M. JORDAN HALL STEPS Sponsored by Student Activities, explore some of Boston’s best nightlife! Must be 21 years or older with a valid government issued photo ID.
GRADSTUDENT PUB CRAWL 12
AUGUST 25, 2014
SUNSET HARBOR CRUISE FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 | 5:30 P.M. JORDAN HALL STEPS Join the Student Activities Center and watch the sun set over the city as you cruise Boston and dance the night away under the stars!.
SCAVENGER HUNT
Get to know Boston by participating in this fun, city-wide activity. Each member of the winning
JORDAN HALL STEPS FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 | 5:30 P.M.
team receives a $25 gift card.
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
13
at a GLANCE
NEC’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship Department guides you from being the best musician you can be to the best working, contributing, successful musician possible.
I I I I I I
EXPAND Your TooLkiT Our courses help you build entrepreneurial skills and
articulate the impact you want to make as a musician. In addition to our survey course, The Entrepreneurial Musician, we offer intensive electives that cover diverse topics such as marketing, communications, financial planning, and legal issues.
JuMPSTArT Your ProJECT Have an idea? Need funding and guidance to
make it happen? Take advantage of the Entrepreneurial Grant program to realize your vision and build vital skills for your career. This program isn’t about funding the “next big thing” - it’s about investing in you.
VENTurE ouT Challenge yourself to step outside NEC’s 4-block radius. Take advantage of an internship or fellowship with one of Boston’s leading arts organizations and learn what happens behind the scenes and in the community. There’s no better way to expand your network and build tools for your own artistic projects.
CoLLECT TiPS froM THE ProS Mentoring is woven into the fabric of EM.
We have a creative team of volunteer advisors made up of over 150 performers, composers, arts administrators, NEC faculty and staff, and professionals from other fields. They’re available, ready to answer your questions.
EArN WHiLE You LEArN We can connect you with a range of professional opportunities and one-time gigs through Bridge and the Music Referral Service. We’ve referred everything from wedding receptions to New England luaus. A great way to earn money, build experience, and figure out what’s next.
SAY HELLo. Our doors are always open and we usually have snacks. Stop by to introduce yourself and let us know how we can help you. Our office is in SB226, where you’ll find Rachel, Maria, Eva and Tim, the four EM staffers. Find us online at necmusic.edu/em or shoot a note to em@necmusic.edu.
fiND uS iN SB226 14
AUGUST 25, 2014
N I U G N E P E TH ! U O Y S D NEE NEC’s student newspaper can only continue to thrive with your help. ANYONE is welcome to join! Perks of contributing include:
* The opportunity to publish your writing, poetry, photography, and/or illustrations
THE PENGUIN N E C ’ S S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S PA P E R
PENGUIN PENMEN Andrew Nissen, editor Suzanne Hegland, faculty editor Sophia (Sophie) Adickes, writer Natalie Alper-Leroux, creative Isabella Dawis, writer Casey Jones, writer Syd Donielle Rvinsky, writer Nick Tisherman, writer Tong Wang, illustrator Frankie Yu, writer
SUBMIT SOMETHING! If you'd like to contribute an article, illustration, or idea, email a 1-2 sentence proposal to: thepenguin@necmusic.edu We’d love to hear from you! Please limit articles to 650 words.
* Meeting other people who share your interests * No commitment! Submit whenever you have time. * A great addition to your resume * Warm & fuzzy feelings knowing that you have improved the NEC community The Penguin publishes eight issues each school year. For more information, come along to our Penguin Party (advertised on Page 2 of this issue) to find out more! Ideas for our October “Halloween” issue include: What Scares You? * Stage Fright * Fall Recipes * Haunted House Opera
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE :
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
WE'RE ONLINE! FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/penguinnewspaper INSTAGRAM: /ThePenguinNEC TWITTER: @ThePenguinNEC WEBSITE: www.NECpenguin.com
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
15
penguin PHOTOS The Penguin has joined Instagram! We’ve uploaded some past photos of our beautiful Boston for you to like and share, and there’ll be many more to love in the coming school year. Follow us on Instagram at /ThePenguinNEC