From Summer Participant to Eastman Student: A Journey
By Reginald Bowens, Marketing Assistant for Summer@Eastman
Pictured: Mason St. Pierre conducting the Eastman Wind Orchestra in rehearsal.
Greetings, Friends! In preparation for Summer@Eastman 2024, I had the privilege of speaking with Summer@Eastman alumnus and Eastman DMA student Mason St. Pierre! Here’s what he had to say:
Can you tell us a bit about your connection to the Summer Wind Conducting Institute (SWCI) through Summer@Eastman?
Mason St. Pierre
I attended the very first SWCI in 2018 and again in 2020 via Zoom during the pandemic. I made so many wonderful connections and learned a lot from the faculty, the outstanding RPO musicians, and my fellow participants.
How did attending Summer@Eastman impact your decision to attend the Eastman School of Music?
Eastman was always on my radar when considering schools for advanced degrees. The benefit of participating in the SWCI was the opportunity (and privilege) to partake in intensive study over a short period of time with first-rate musicians and people. I knew that if I were to come to ESM as a student full time, I would grow from being immersed in this environment.
What are some of your fondest memories of the Summer Wind Conducting Institute during your time as a student of Summer@Eastman?
Since the first SWCI in 2018, we’ve now had three students enter the conducting program at Eastman: myself and a current MM student, Zach Griffin, along with Lindsay Bronnenkant ’22E (DMA), whose career as an artist-educator, conductor, and composer has really taken off! There are other participants I am still collegial with who are also doing wonderful work in conducting and music education. SWCI attracts a LOT of talent. I cherish the time I was able to learn from Donald Hunsberger, who was actively involved with the Institute, along with many other things at Eastman, until his death this past November at age 91. Dr. Hunsberger is one of my musical heroes, and I will never forget the first time I conducted for him during one of the RPO sessions in Kilbourn Hall. Of course, the knowledge and wisdom I gained from Mark Scatterday was (and still is!) priceless. I feel very fortunate to now have him as my primary teacher, and I am eternally grateful for all the opportunities he has afforded me. It’s especially important to know that the caliber of the RPO musicians is second-to-none, and you will learn so much about yourself as a musician conducting chamber music with them. They are all wonderful people who give excellent insight.
The 2018 SWCI class at a Rochester Red Wings baseball game, Frontier Field. Photo provided by Mark Scatterday.
What advice would you give to a young conductor preparing for the Summer Wind Conducting Institute?
If I had to give advice, I’d say the following:
- Submit great material for your application.
- Come into the SWCI with an open heart and mind, and as the best musician you are right now.
- Be prepared to grow in exponential ways, both during the institute and after you leave!
What are you currently involved in (e.g., projects, teaching, gigs, coursework, etc.)?
Earlier this semester, I conducted the Eastman Wind Ensemble in a full concert as part of my degree requirement. We performed a demanding program which included Stanisław Skrowaczewski’s Music for Winds and Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Colgrass’ Winds of Nagual. The Skrowaczewski is quite dark and at times very intense. It’s essentially a concerto for the entire ensemble, requiring virtuosic playing from all involved. In my opinion, it’s one of the most profound and significant pieces in the repertoire. Colgrass’ tone poem is based on the writings of Carlos Castaneda and his, shall I say, “alternative” experiences in southwestern Mexico with a Yaqui shaman named Don Juan. Juan shows Carlos how to connect and align with his inner power. This piece really tugs at the heartstrings and is a cornerstone work in the wind band/ensemble repertoire.
Overall, I am finishing up my last year of doctoral coursework and am applying for various conducting and teaching positions. I plan to take the comprehensive and oral examinations this September, with an anticipated December conferral — hoping to walk with the amazing Class of 2025!
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The Summer Wind Conducting Institute runs July 15-19, 2024. Visit Summer@Eastman’s website for more information and application instructions.