SPA Kids Speak

 Hello SPA friends and family,

It has been an exciting first couple of days at SPA Oberlin 2012. Each year the students never cease to amaze me with how quickly they grow close with one another through their dedication to music and building diversity in classical music. We have an exceptional group this year with some of the most insightful and compassionate students I have ever met. 

Last night we started a three-part exercise called "Conscious Awareness" led by one of our Dorm Parents Hector Hernandez. We had the whole group write down “what it feels like to be a Sphinx student.”  Then we discussed in detail what that meant to them.  A few of the students volunteered to share their thoughts on the blog (see below).  As we continue our first session of 2012 we will keep you posted on the other parts of the exercise along with pictures and other student entries.

Carolyn Bishop

Assistant Dean

To be at Sphinx means to be proud of who you are culturally and share similar stories of how it feels to be an African-American or Latino classical player. It also feels amazing to share the passion and love we have for our instruments. We all have our special voice that we communicate through our instruments and it is an honor to have the instructors we have to help us improve our voice and really be heard. It really is an honor and incredible experience to be here.

-Alejandra Anaya

It feels great to be a student at Sphinx. It’s about time I find an orchestra that provides an opportunity for Latinos and African Americans. It’s one of the best experiences in my life. I am truly blessed to participate in the Sphinx program. I just love it here and it's only been 2 days and everybody is a family here….SPHINX IS THE BEST!!!

Thank you Music Heaven!

Truly yours,

Vincent Neil