Alumni Update #6: Elyse Anderson

Is participating in a Performing Arts Abroad the total apex?  Is it ever possible to beat?  Gosh, we hope so.  These are the things you’re dying to know!  Never fear.  We’ve started asking for updates and well, let’s just say it turns out awesome people continue being awesome even after they’ve moved on from PAA.  

Today’s Alum:  Elyse Anderson, Music Semester in Italy, ’14

Fall Performance with the Peabody Singers

What’s something exciting happening right now?

I am currently taking two summer courses- The Politics of Music, as well as Intro to Western to Classical Music- and loving every minute of it at Johns Hopkins. I can’t believe I’m already going to be a junior! This year I am very proud and excited to announce that I am studying with the renowned opera singer, Ah Young Hong. I began my studies with her in January and I look forward to learning even more from her this year.

After studying abroad last summer with PAA and learning the incredible power of summer programs for advancing your technique in such a short period of time, I mainly decided to stay this summer to study with my new teacher. Just like last summer studying with Susanna, I have learned so much in a short amount of time. Although Baltimore is nothing like Italy (take me back!) I have enjoyed exploring the city and learning more about the arts culture here.

What performances have you done?

This year, I spent a great deal of time performing at school. I sang with the Peabody Singers in their fall and winter concerts, danced in and choreographed for the JHU Classical Ballet Company’s performance of The Nutcracker, and worked with John Astin on a production of the play “Three Men on a Horse.”

Any Traveling?

Although I haven’t gotten to do too much traveling since PAA, I have enjoyed spending the summer in Baltimore and learning more about this culturally rich city. It has been wonderful getting to see more of the city I now call home. Studying abroad in Italy last summer taught me that there is always more to do and explore, and I have definitely applied that to my life again this summer. There’s still so much to explore, even here in America! That being said, I cannot wait to go abroad with PAA again soon!

Aw shucks…with PAA again?  You’re the greatest.  We love that your experience abroad has helped you get more out of things that are around you right at home.  Keep up the amazing work!