When he isn’t running Walsh’s RHA, Matt Burns can usually be found doing something for many of the performance groups on campus that he works with. As vice president of the Hot Notes, president of the University Choir, and an active member of the Mimes and Mummers and currently directing FET’s latest show, this Philly native is super involved at Fordham.
Where are you from? Horsham, PA, the 15th best place to live in America.
What year are you? Junior, FCRH ‘13.
What is your major? International Political Economy, with minors in Music and German
What activities are you involved in? I think most importantly I serve on the Residence Halls Association in Walsh Hall. I’m also president of the Fordham University Choir and Vice President of the Hot Notes, Fordham’s vocal jazz ensemble. (Haven’t heard of us?) I’m also extremely excited to be co-directing FET’s production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons which runs April 18th – 21st. Come see it, it’s free.
Favorite movie: Anchorman, hands down, but I’ve been on kind of a western kick since FET’s Cowboy’s Don’t Sing. Tombstoneand Unforgivenare always good.
Favorite band/musician: I’ve been a blues rock and jazz guy for a while. The Black Keys and the White Stripes are the best two bands of the last decade in my opinion. Big fan of Miles Davis, James Brown, and Ray Charles.
Favorite book: I think the lessons in the Berenstain Bears are timeless, but since I’m not 6 anymore I’ll go with Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins.
Favorite TV show: Parks and Rec. Vote Knope ‘12.
How did you decide to come to Fordham? New York City. Philly may be my first love, but there is nothing like going to school in this town. Although I have to admit, the Jesuit teaching philosophy makes me glad I chose Fordham.
How did you become involved with the Mimes and theater? Rose Hill is a great place for theater. I’ve done a few great shows with the Theatrical Outreach Program, and since then I’ve been fortunate enough to work on a number of shows with FET and Mimes. The Blackbox is a special place for creativity (and comedy), and Mimes knows how to do some big things. Have I mentioned All My Sons April 18th-21st?
Do you have any tips for students who are trying to balance schoolwork, extra-curriculars, and other obligations like internships? The experience you gain at Fordham isn’t defined by the quantity of your involvement, but by your accomplishments, by the improvements you make, and by the relationships you build. Don’t be afraid to try something new, but spend your time where you know you can make a difference.
What’s your favorite thing about NY? It’s the city where you can get anything 24/7 — good food, good music.
What’s your least favorite thing about NY? There’s really only one memory that comes to mind — the night the Yanks beat the Phillies in the World Series.
Do you have a favorite Fordham memory? FET’s Cowboy’s Don’t Sing this semester. We have fun. NSO this past year was also a great time.
Do you have a favorite NYC memory? I was a freshman riding a packed subway. Train comes to the stop and guy pushes through everyone saying, “Let the rich person off first.” He then proceeded to trip. I’ll also add singing in Carnegie Hall.
What’s your favorite class you’ve taken at Fordham? Medieval Theological Texts with Matt Lootens. I don’t think I’ve learned as much in a semester as I did just from that class.
What’s your least favorite class you’ve taken at Fordham? Biopsychology. No disrespect to the professor who was great.
Where’s your favorite spot on campus? Hughes Hall, may she rest in peace. I also think the garden/walkway by the 9/11 memorial is vastly underappreciated.
If you could give one piece of advice to a Fordham collegiette™, what would it be? You pay so much to go here — the classroom’s only half the experience. Play intramural softball, try out for a play, or do something to challenge yourself. New York’s a big place, don’t leave with regrets.
What’s your dream job? Start a band with Sal of Pugsley’s fame. But seriously, I’d love to work in the production side of the entertainment industry.
What’s on your NYC bucket list? I’ve never seen an opera so I’ll say that. I’d also love to see SNL…live.
What do you think the best part of a Jesuit education is? Magis. We’re taught never to be satisfied; to push ourselves.
Who is your favorite professor at Fordham? There’s a couple. Dr. Ott and Dr. Stempel in music, and Fr. Shelley for Religion in America.
What’s one thing everyone would be surprised to learn about you? I was a figure skater for a year when I was a smaller child. Don’t judge.
Pick one!
Bronx Zoo or Botanical Gardens? The Gardens. I’ve never been to the zoo.
Arthur Ave/Fordham Road? Arthur Ave.
Cafeteria or Grille? The Deli.
Conway or Dr. Jay’s? Dr. Jay’s
RamVan or Subway? Subway, one of my favorite parts of NYC
Met or MoMA? Met, but both are great.
Hot Dog or Bagel? Hot Dog.
Broadway or Off-Broadway? You can see a lot of great shows all over the city (and right here at Fordham), but I do like the bigger productions.
Radio City or Madison Square Garden? Radio City (Flyers and Rangers aren’t in a happy place right now).
Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge? There’s way more to do in the Park.