Not only performing at Carnegie Hall, but to premiere a piece that had never been performed before was a really big thing. We were making a mark on history.
When Giana Uwazany, ’26, began singing in third grade, she had no aspirations of being a professional musician never mind performing on one of the world’s grandest stages.
In high school, Giana realized she wanted to pursue music as a career. But singing at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall? That wasn’t a possibility until she became a Bridgewater State student.
“That was something I never thought I’d be able to do,” said Giana, a music performance major and dance minor from Brimfield. “To be able to sing on a stage as prestigious as that was amazing and such a unique experience.”
Giana and 19 of her BSU peers traveled to New York City over spring break with Assistant Professor Brad Dumont, who arranged for the Carnegie Hall performance through the organization National Concerts. The BSU students, joined by peers from Baylor and Linfield universities, formed a nearly 200-person chorus to sing the world premiere of “The Wilderness of You” by Andrea Ramsey.
“Not only performing at Carnegie Hall, but to premiere a piece that had never been performed before was a really big thing,” said Hannah Sirard, ’25, a music major from Amherst. “We were making a mark on history.”
Ramsey, a well-known composer of choral music, wrote the 25-minute piece to explore connections between the natural world and the human body.
“I was really proud of how they all showed up for the music and showed up for themselves,” said Dr. Dumont, remarking on the students’ confidence on such a big stage. “I saw all the students looking up from their score in a new way.”
For Dakota Potter, ’27, a transfer student in his first semester as a Bear, the trip provided an opportunity to bond with his new classmates.
“I was able to be brought into the fold right away,” said Dakota, an archaeology major and history minor from Keene, New Hampshire. “Everyone on the trip was very accepting and inclusive.”
BSU financially supported the students’ travel, including offering scholarships for those with financial need. While in New York, students toured museums and attended music and theatrical performances.
They also participated in rehearsals and worked with Ramsey. Collaborating directly with the composer brought a deeper meaning to the piece, said Kai Morgan, ’26, a music major from Weymouth who is an aspiring composer.
Kai praised Dumont and other music faculty for giving students such memorable experiences.
“I love the Music Department so much,” he said. “So many professors go above and beyond for their students and care so much.”
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.