As both a Music Prefect and an Open Mic Head, Sara Agrawal ’25 has contributed immensely to Groton’s music scene, whether that be playing bass in the Jazz Combo or Ensemble or organizing other musical exhibitions on the Circle. Her passion for the double bass, electric bass, and piano is evident in her performances, and her musical capabilities can be heard all across campus in the Chapel, CPAC, and Schoolhouse.
What made you want to play all three instruments?
I played classical [piano] for a long time, and when I came to Groton, I switched to jazz piano because I wanted to get an understanding of the inner workings of jazz and harmony. Bass is currently my main instrument; I picked up electric bass when I was in fifth grade, and then double bass when I came to Groton. It’s been really fun, and being able to play both electric and acoustic is helpful because they are applicable to different styles of music.
Did your background have any influence on you?
My parents encouraged me to play music. When I was little, my dad, who didn’t have any musical experience himself, would sit by the piano with me and help me run through my scales and other technical skills. We would go to lessons every Saturday and the whole day was taken up by that. He also bought me my first bass, so my parents have been very encouraging.
How do you balance playing multiple instruments?
It’s kind of tricky because one thing always takes priority. It’s been a little bit hard to keep up my piano, so this year, I’ve taken it more as a fun thing that I’m doing. Once a week, I go and have my lesson, so it’s not a stress inducer for me. I focus on bass a lot more when I’m practicing.
Do you have any special memories from Districts and jazz band?
[For] the jazz band, going to Japan was definitely the biggest thing. The band was and is really close: we have a lot of fun together, both doing jazz and other things. Also, of course, House of Blues is really fun. Every time we have a performance, we leave with a lot of excitement around playing music, and in the coming weeks, we become a lot better. It’s really cool to see.
[Senior] Districts was really hard. There were two six-hour rehearsals, and we had to be in the concert hall all day on Saturday. It was exhausting, but the payoff was great. It was the best band that I’d played with and it was really fun.
How was your experience performing with Tom Rush for his Circle Talk?
It was really cool. Talking with him before was really funny and then watching him while he was performing was like, wow, he’s incredible. He knows how to engage with the crowd, and he’s so good at what he plays—that just made me feel so grateful when I was playing with him. I got to open for him, and then actually collaborating with him at the end was very special.
Do you have any advice for future music prefects and open-mic heads?
One of the biggest parts about both of these roles is trying to make music accessible and attractive to lots of people and broadening the reach. There are people in the jazz band, orchestra, choir, or in another music class, but it’s also about remembering that that’s not the only reason we do music. Everyone can enjoy it, whether they’re going to a Gammons concert, performing for their music lesson, or playing at an open mic. I think the importance of what you’re doing is what keeps you grounded in the roles.
