“It is challenging to have so many things on my plate but exhilarating when I know I can achieve it and I can start to see what my teachers saw all along.”
-Gabrielle Ottersberg Enriquez, NMSA Class of 2015
Gabrielle (Gabby), a senior vocalist at New Mexico School for the Arts, had been dancing and singing Spanish and Mariachi music for years before she heard about NMSA. “I didn’t have any kind of training or technique in classical music and was extremely nervous for the big switch in gears,” she writes.
Looking back on her time at NMSA, she has consistently appreciated the rigorous work ethic expected from students, and the growth she was able to achieve in four short years. “…Most young artists my age don’t have this kind of exposure or opportunity…it is challenging to have so many things on my plate but exhilarating when I know I can achieve it.” Gabby was selected to participate in New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA) All-State Mixed Choir in January 2015, and, following graduation, plans to attend Oklahoma City University and receive a double major in Vocal Performance and Musical Theater.
“I don’t know who I would be without [NMSA] and I don’t even want to think about it…the foundation I have from NMSA will help me contribute to any community I’m a part of, because art helps people come together.”
Gabby and many of her fellow vocalists at NMSA will be performing this weekend at our annual NMSA Music Department Staged Show! Tickets for Thursday and Saturday can be purchased at the door, and shows start at 7:00pm (limited availability)