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Amanda Forker Hometown: Wethersfield, Conn. Major: Music: Vocal Performance WCSU Degree: Bachelor of Music Internships: Cape Cod College Light Opera Company, vocal ensemble member Activities: Resident Assistant (Newbury & Grasso Hall),
Newbury & Grasso Hall Council,
WCSU Chamber Singers,
WCSU Opera Ensemble,
WCSU Mainstage Productions: "Tommy" and "Cabaret,"
WestConn Idol,
Alto Section Leader/Cantor at St. Peter’s Church in Danbury, University Computing |
Honors and Awards: Dean’s List every semester, 3.7 GPA,
WCSU Alumni Association Scholarship,
2009 WestConn Idol,
Schoolmaster’s Special Scholarship,
National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition - 2nd Place,
William Calvert Encouragement Award in the Amici Vocal Competition (Opera Theater of Connecticut)
Wethersfield, Conn., native Amanda Forker applied to several colleges in the region, including SUNY-New Paltz, Marymount Manhattan and the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. " WestConn was actually the only music/vocal program I auditioned for, the others were all musical theater," she says. "I don't think I knew exactly what I wanted yet so WestConn ended up being the perfect place because there was room to learn more about music while being able to be involved with the theater department as well."
What sealed the deal for Amanda was when she came to campus. "After my audition for the music department, I felt such a strong connection to the department and faculty — it ended up being the perfect fit for me. I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in performance and being a music major would give me the vocal training that I was really looking for."
According to Forker, Professor of Music Dr. Margaret Astrup "has been an amazing teacher and mentor. I don’t know what I would have done without her knowledge and guidance."
Asked what she will remember most about her WCSU experience, Forker says, "One of my most memorable experiences was when the Opera Ensemble performed as part of the ensemble in the concert version of the opera "The Tsar’s Bride" at Carnegie Hall in New York City. It was an unbelievable night.”
After graduation, Forker says, "My plan is to continue performing and go on as many auditions as possible!"
Forker’s advice to new students entering WCSU is: “Don’t be afraid to get involved and discover yourself. WCSU is the perfect place to find out what you want to do with your life. Take advantage of the amazing opportunities and faculty that this school has to offer!”
