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Student Spotlight: Serena Smith '21

Music education major gains real-world experience through Virginia Chorale internship


University News | October 30, 2019

By Sandi Billy

Serena Smith '21 has accumulated a wide range of experiences in the service-learning component of Virginia Wesleyan University’s "Arts Management" class this semester. As a music education major, she selected the Virginia Chorale, Virginia’s premier professional vocal ensemble, for her internship and has worked alongside Operations Manager Kristin Ball in an array of operational duties. 

“So far I’ve handled mailings for their upcoming Christmas concert and Young Singers Project auditions,” Smith recalled, “and developed a spreadsheet to organize donor lists and learned how to take care of ASCAP fees,” referring to the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, which collects royalties from performance groups to distribute to those who created the works.

Later this month, Smith will assist with auditions for the Young Singers Project (YSP) program. High school students from throughout the region audition for this flagship educational program. Selected choristers will be mentored by the Chorale’s singers in preparation for a concert under the direction of Charles Woodward, the Virginia Chorale's Artistic Director.   

It wasn’t too long ago that Smith herself auditioned for this winter intensive.

“I was singing with the Virginia Children’s Chorus and was encouraged to try out, but it was my junior year and I didn’t have room for it," she said. "In my senior year, the time opened up and I was studying with [Chorale soprano] Corbin Pinto and she helped me prepare. I knew YSP was going to be part of a documentary, but I didn’t know they’d be taping at the audition. I showed up in jeans and a hoodie and the other girls were in dresses!”

Apparently, attire wasn’t an issue; Smith made the cut. 

“It was really cool to work with professional singers. The opportunity to observe and copy their actions was important. I learned so much, like efficient rehearsal techniques and how to mark music effectively.” 

The group’s efforts resulted in WHRO-TV’s award-winning hour-long documentary entitled “Young Singers Project: A Life in 140 Characters,” broadcast on PBS stations throughout the USA.

"I’m thrilled that VWU offers opportunities for students to participate in service-learning with local arts organizations,” says Operations Manager Kristin Ball. “Students get a real look at what it takes to keep non-profits running, from financial responsibilities to marketing, auditions, and everything in between. This experience gives students an understanding of the challenges, but also the joy of creating art after all those 'behind-the-scenes' challenges are met."

As happens at this stage of life, a couple years can make a huge difference.

“I feel less confused about life in general now and more secure in my career choices,” Smith said. “I was so afraid in high school, but the experiences and specific training and opportunities that the University offers have helped me focus on the main things and to let the other stuff go.”

Learn more about The Arts at Virginia Wesleyan