sharing music, working with others

Christina Sherman of Columbia is a senior in vocal music education.

I am active in Delta Omicron Professional Music Fraternity, American Choral Directors Association, Concert Choir, as well as the Opera and Theatre Departments. I have performed at ULM in "Pirates of Penzance,” "The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” "Suor Angelica,” "Mother Goose Avenue,” and "Hansel and Gretel.” I am also involved in the Honors Program, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, and Alpha Lambda Delta. I am a scholarship singer at First United Methodist Church Monroe, and I am a student worker at the Office of University Advancement and External Affairs. I also teach piano class in the after school program at Martin Luther King Middle School.

I have a 16-year-old brother Andrew who is a junior at Caldwell Parish High School.

I chose ULM because I was impressed with the progress the campus had made, as well as the scholarships I was offered. The friendliness of everyone when I visited the campus made a very good impression.

After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue my master's degree in music therapy. Incorporating music therapy, my dream is to work with children diagnosed with autism and those diagnosed with Down's Syndrome. I am also very interested in the use of music therapy with adults who have Parkinson's Disease, as well as those with Alzheimer's Disease.

My favorite spot on campus is the courtyard between the apartments. I have an incredible view of the bayou and courtyard from my apartment. When the weather is nice, there are usually people walking their dogs, playing football, or sitting on a bench reading a book. I enjoy sitting in the grass and studying, or reading a book just to relax and unwind.

One of my favorite professors is my voice teacher, Dr. Claire Vangelisti. We have been through so much together in a year and a half. She is very talented and skilled, and I feel honored to be able to study under her. Not only has she helped me improve musically, she is always there if I need anything.

One of my favorite memories at ULM thus far has been my participation in "Mother Goose Avenue.” It was performed by music education majors at the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens under the direction of Dr. James Reifinger. I enjoyed seeing the kids faces and how they tried to sing along with us. It was fun to work with other music education majors. It was amazing how well we all got along.

ULM has helped me grow in many ways. I have had opportunities at ULM, such as traveling to Avignon, France in July 2008, that I probably would not have had otherwise. I have met many of my close friends and learned much about myself in these past few years. I have grown academically and musically, and had the opportunity to figure out my career goals.