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Laura Neville Hometown: Old Lyme, Conn. Major: Music Education, concentration in flute WCSU Degree: Bachelor of Science in Music Education Activities: Flute Club; MENC - National Association for Music Education, president 2006-07; Bethel High School woodwind instructor, fall 2007; private flute instructor at Bethel Music Center, 2006-07; WCSU Summer Band Camp counselor, summer 2007; server at Old Lyme Ice Cream Shoppe |
Honors and Awards: Dean's List every semester, 3.8+ GPA
As a freshman, Laura Neville attended The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y. "I left the College of Saint Rose because I didn't like the Albany area, and I didn't feel like it was a good fit for me," she says. " I had heard a great deal about the music program and professors at WestConn, so I applied here. When I came for my audition, I felt like I fit in -- and eventually this became my home away from home."
Neville says she decided to pursue a degree in music education "because I wanted to improve my skills as a musician and teacher. I wanted to give back to the community through the schools."
Once at WestConn, Neville found a mentor in Professor of Music Dr. Kerry Walker. "Dr. Walker helped me become a better flute player and musician. She helped me through some hard times and was always looking out for me. She was and is like a mother figure for me at school. You knew that you could e-mail or call her at any time and she would be there for you. She provided me with so many opportunities to grow as a musician that I cannot thank her enough. Dr. Walker helped me come out of my shell and realize who I am as a person and a musician. I will always consider her family."
Asked what she will remember most about her WestConn experience, Neville says, "My senior conducting recital. It was a lot of work to put together, but in the end it was the most rewarding experience I have had at WestConn.”
After graduation, Neville plans to teach in the public school system for a few years and then apply for graduate school. "I want to go to grad school for instrumental conducting."
Neville’s advice to new students entering WCSU is: “Take in as much as you can from your professors and don't lose sight of who you are.”
