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ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
A Mighty Wind NA’s 2012 Artist-in-Residence Featured Tracy Jacobson ’06 in Woodwind Quintet Newark Academy hosted WindSync, a fresh and energetic woodwind quintet, as the 2012 Artist-in-Residence in April. The ensemble, led by Tracy Jacobson ’06 on the bassoon, also included Garrett Hudson on the flute, Kerry Hughes on the oboe, Ben Haeuser on the clarinet and Anni Hochhalter on the French horn.
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fter graduating from Newark Academy, Jacobson moved to Texas to pursue a degree in orchestral performance, but later found that she was more interested in chamber music and started WindSync, a small woodwind group. Now completing their third season together, WindSync has evolved from a part-time student project to a full-time internationally touring ensemble. They found their niche in “interactive music,” combining genres of art and
enticing their audiences to be involved in the creative, collaborative process of musical imagination and expression. While at Newark Academy, WindSync’s residency focused on academic applications for collaboration, creativity, teamwork and other essential musical skills. They held lunchtime discussions about entrepreneurship, talking about the business of making a musical ensemble work and pursuing a dream. They worked with NA’s musical ensembles and performed with them in the annual instrumental concert. “Ever since finishing 8th grade English with Dr. Blackburn, it’s been a dream of mine to be a teacher at Newark Academy,” Jacobson said. “Since then, of course, my life has led me in a very different direction – professionally and geographically! However, thanks to a fantastic collaboration with Arts Department Chair Elaine Brodie and faculty member Amy Emelianoff, I’m thrilled I was able to bring my art back to my alma mater.” Thanks to the Artist-in-Residence Endowment Fund, this program provides students with the opportunity to explore creativity and artistic expression through extended interaction with a professional in the visual or performing arts. Selected artists not only teach classes and share their craft in workshop settings, but also enrich the school community at large through their participation. NA
NEWARK ACADEMY