In keeping with the self-drive mindset here at Groton, many students are pursuing activities of their own choosing. FSAs are afternoon activities sponsored by faculty and a great way for students to advance their interests in sports or music.
An avid guitarist, Tiger Zeng ’25 hopes to keep mastering guitar skills and the Nuendo composition, and being able to blend background music and guitar playing all together. “Meeting every Monday with Ms. Lanier and the other FSA students keep me organized as well as having online classes with my guitar teacher on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,” says Tiger.
Max Fan ’25 fell in love with piano at the age of three and finds it stress-relieving amongst his other work commitments at Groton. Max is practicing the Chopin Ballade No. 1 and Beethoven sonata in C minor op. 13 no. 8 “Pathetique”. Max is working on recording his masterpiece for competitions as well.
Brittany Deng ’24 is working on perfecting a few pieces: Romberg Sonata in G major Opus 43 No. 3, a cheerful piece that offers lots of musical interpretations, and Allegro Appassionato, a staple for cellists that incorporates more advanced technique. Through the time that her FSA provides, Brittany is aiming to audition for Districts and broaden her experience as a musician as well as develop her craft in pursuit of a potential career as a cellist.
The music FSA students are also working on collaborations between Tiger Zeng ’25 and Dilzafer Singh ’25 on an original song, and Brenda and Tiger on an original song called “Follow Up. Max Fan’25 and Brenda Li ‘25 have also collaborated on “A Million Dreams” from the movie, The Greatest Showman.
Crew FSA: The Quadlings
Nicknamed the “Quadlings,” Alice, Amelia, Olivia, Agathe, Rowen, and Kit are participating in a rowing FSA sponsored by Mr. Anderson. They are practicing long distance rowing in quad formation in preparation for head season. “We love spending more time with Mr. Anderson,” says Rowen.
Through FSAs, students can continue to hone their individual crafts and turn their personal passions into serious projects. At the end of each FSA, students exhibit their progress through art displays and performances that others on campus are always welcome to enjoy!
