HC: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
SB: My name is Sara Arizona Bonner and I’m a sophomore Vocal Performance major from Potomac, Maryland.
What led you to choose Music – Vocal Performance as your major?
SB: Music has always been what I loved most as long as I can remember. I did a musical in 4th grade and got hooked on the feeling of being on stage. Since then I’ve done countless amounts of shows, whether they be plays, musicals, or operas. The University of Michigan has always been my dream school. In addition to The University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance being one of top music schools in the country, it’s also part of a larger university- this means that I can study Opera during the week and go to football games on Saturdays with my sorority sisters; it’s the best of both worlds.
HC: I heard Opera was your forte – that’s amazing! Why Opera in particular?
SB: While I got my start in musical theater, Opera was what I loved most. I started taking voice lessons in middle school and I found that my voice was naturally higher and fuller; this was what led me to start studying classical repertoire. To me, Opera is much more powerful than any other type of music. The passion in the music is incredibly moving and beautiful.
HC: I know I still get nervous to really express myself in front of large crowds. Tell us how you’ve overcome stage fright.
SB: Stage fright has never been something that I’ve had a big problem with. As long as I feel that I know the words and I that I’ve practiced enough, I don’t get very nervous before I go on stage. When I do start to feel nervous, it usually goes away once I start to perform.
HC: What has been your favorite performance you’ve done so far and why?
SB: My favorite performance that I’ve done so far would have to be my Senior Recital. When I graduated high school, I gave a concert of 16 operatic songs for 100 of my closest friends and family. I was incredibly proud that day to show all the work I had done over the past few years. My parents have not stopped listening to the CD that was recorded during the concert.
HC: What are your future plans in music? What’s your dream job?
SB: When I get older I want to be a professional opera singer. After I graduate from Michigan I plan on attending graduate school for voice and then start pursuing my career.
HC: What advice do you have to our HerCampus readers who may also want to
pursue music?
SB: There are plenty of ways to get involved in music on campus. There are great acapella groups, glee club, and many different performing groups that put on all types of shows. Music has changed my life so I encourage everyone to find a way to get involved.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter.