Mayra Amaya (Theatre)
Tony Carrillo (Art)
Rachel Eskandari (Art)
Michael Healy (Film)
Molly Kirwan (Dance)
Korbi Adams (Music)
Lucas Mariacher (Film)
James Williams (Music)
Student Stories
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James Williams |
James Williams takes Jazz Performance to the Next Level
Someday I would like to play in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. I saw them perform when I was nine years old, and since then, I have been inspired and motivated by the group. The ASU Herberger College School of Music gives me the opportunities to someday fulfill my dream. When scouting universities, I knew I wanted to study Jazz performance and the school impressed me. I am from Tucson and wanted to remain close to home. ASU offered the best of both worlds.
The Herberger College School of Music presents an extremely positive learning environment. I am able to play multiple instruments, work with renowned faculty and guest artists, and participate in so many performance opportunities. All of which give me the skills, determination and inspiration to push myself. Not to mention I get to be part of the renowned ASU Marching Band and Dixie Devils.
The Dixie Devils includes me and two other undergraduate students with Sam Pilafian, tuba professor, as our faculty mentor. We get to play for two hours during all of the pre-game football parties of President Michael Crow and other dignitaries.
So far, the most amazing experience within the school was working with Eric Alexander in a major campus Jazz concert. I learned so much from the experience. Having the opportunities to work with such talented professionals encourages me to further my own work.
I enjoy being a part of a college where everyone has a similar goal - to master a talent within a particular field. The faculty always are willing and available to help me, which allows me to pursue my personal goals. Sam Pilafian and Mike Kocour, director of Jazz Studies, are amazing and have had the biggest hand in my success so far at ASU.
ASU is the right choice for me. I feel I fit in well. I have made terrific friends, and the collaboration among all the musicians is very beneficial to my success as a musician.