This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chatham chapter.
Sarah Weinschenker has a lot on her plate. As an RA, the president of the Chatham Choir, and a member of multiple student organizations, it’s impossible to imagine how she juggles it all. But she does—with grace and finesse. A senior this year, we decided it was time to talk to Sarah about her incredible voice and what she plans to do with it next.
Her Campus Chatham: What are you studying right now at Chatham?
Sarah Weinschenker: I am currently majoring English and Music with a concentration in vocal performance and minoring in Film.
What organizations are you involved with at Chatham?
I am the president of the Chatham Choir, and I also perform with our select Chatham Chamber Choir. I am also a Resident Assistant so that keeps me involved with varying different programing on Chatham’s campus.
How long have you been singing?
I started taking voice lessons in the eighth grade and began with musical theater pieces. I quickly moved to arias and more classical sounding literature. At Chatham, I receive mostly classical training focusing on opera.
What singer has influenced you most?
Renee Fleming has been one of my biggest inspirations since I was in high school and discovered she performed in Elvish on The Return of the King soundtrack.
How did you get involved with the Chatham Choir?
As a voice scholarship recipient, it is a requirement to be involved with the choir; this helps with the understanding of how to blend and control one’s voice.
What would you say is a singing accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Two years ago, I spent the entire semester working on a huge piece from Bellini’s ‘I, Puritani.’ It was the most difficult piece I had ever worked on, and I have never felt more frustrated and determined to learn an aria. Furthermore, I had the exciting opportunity to masterclass it with an outside instructor.
What are some goals you have for post-grad?
When I first came to Chatham, I wanted to become an opera singer. Now, I’m looking into music therapy graduate programs. I’d love to be able to give back to people but also not have the taxing life of a performer.
How has Chatham changed your life?
Without Chatham, I would not be the woman I am today. I came into Chatham four years ago as a timid, self-conscious individual thinking that nothing would change about me. I cannot begin to say how much I have grown as a person and how grateful I am to Chatham for that growth and development.
What do you love most about Chatham?
If I had to pick one thing that I love about Chatham, it would be: the community. I have never been in a more positive environment where the majority of people want to see you succeed. This support is everywhere: from the students to the faculty, to the alumnae and staff.
SPEED ROUND:
What’s your favorite drink at Café Rachel?
A dirty iced chai
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a Chatham professor or faculty member?
Don’t think about it too much. Just do it.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to pick one, that song would be the 2000 orchestrated release of Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell
If you could meet one female artist or musician—dead or alive—who would it be?
I would kill to meet Joni Mitchell
All photos courtesy of Sarah Weinschenker