Congratulations to Madison Perry, vocal student of Teaching Artist Jennifer Keller. Madison was recently accepted to participate in the prestigious Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) Young Vocal Artist summer intensive program from July 2 to August 12.
BUTI is recognized internationally as a premier summer training program for aspiring young musicians and is the only program of its kind associated with one of the world’s great symphony orchestras. Under the guidance of distinguished professionals, and in the presence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), students are immersed in an atmosphere of extraordinary music making, fueled by high artistic standards, rigorous programming, and a rich legacy of learning and performance.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to be surrounded by other high school vocalists and instrumentalists who have the same appreciation for classical music and strive to be the best they can be in their art,” exclaimed Madison.
Madison, a freshman at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School, has been studying voice for 4 years and is so happy to be working with Ms. Keller. “I love working with Ms. Keller because, even though she knows I’m only a freshman, she can identify potential and figures out where I can be pushed to go further,” explained Madison. “Not only does she work with me on the technical aspects of a song, but she makes sure I know what the song means and how to express it in order to make the music come alive.”
Madison has also participated in the Acting For Young People (the theater division of Potomac) rendition of “A Mid-Winter Eve’s Dream” and “Beauty and the Beast, Jr”, as well as the 2016 Spotlight on the Arts music recital.
We’re so happy for Madison and wish her all the best this summer at Tanglewood!
READ TEACHING ARTIST JENNIFER DECKER’S BIO
Two piano students of 
Keira Konson (pictured with Ms. Zuniga) is 11 years old and from Oakton, VA. She started her piano study at the age of 5. Keira enjoys piano performance, gave her first shared solo recital last year and has played in the Fairfax County Piano Festival for the past 3 years, obtaining the highest rating each year. This is the second year Keira is learning under the great instruction of her teacher, Faith Zúñiga. She particularly enjoys playing the music of Edvard Grieg, but enjoys listening to a wide variety of music. Keira currently also plays the French horn in her school band. She makes fabric-tie wreaths to benefit AIDS orphans in her parents’ native South Africa – and loves every opportunity to visit! Keira has a great desire to serve others, starting with her parents and 3 siblings at home. She also enjoys ballet, lyrical, jazz and acro dance, baking and just about anything else she can pour her creative energy into!