In the symphony of music that envelops the Circle, emerging talents are welcomed and uplifted. At Groton, students often expand their horizons: They enroll in niche English electives, cook up chemistry in the kitchen, and, of course, venture into music. The Artist of the Issue highlights the experiences of advanced musicians who demonstrate the highest caliber of their art, but aspiring musicians may find themselves in pursuit of a musical journey just as meaningful. Meet Katrina Yang ’26 (drums and voice), Saniya Pleasants ’27 (violin and harp), and Irene Seo ’28 (clarinet-turned-bassoon), three students who decided to play a new tune during their time at Groton.
Why did you decide to try a new instrument?
Katrina: I realized I have so many music lessons I could take right now, I might as well take advantage of this opportunity and try something new that I always wanted to learn.
Saniya: I had never had an opportunity to play an instrument even though I had always really wanted to play the violin. Since Groton has music lessons for credit, I decided to do that. After seeing how fun it was, I decided I was going to add another instrument, which is harp.
Irene: Since I used to be a clarinetist, I had a background in wind instruments, and I had always been interested in the bassoon. But I think the deciding factor was there was a lack of a bassoon at Groton and a lot of clarinets so it was a way for me to accomplish what I’ve always wanted to try.
What were some highlights?
Katrina: I really liked both of my teachers for voice and drums. I also think that without Groton, I wouldn’t have easy access to a drum set all the time. I’ve also been able to meet a lot of new people by drumming for them for Open Mic, so the social aspect as well.
Saniya: The teachers are incredible at helping you and being accommodating. Even with Groton’s busy schedule, if you were struggling with something, they were really good with taking time and helping you out.
Irene: I really got to know my teacher and my instrument a lot better over the last couple of months. My favorite part was really getting to know the bassoon community and my instrument.
How do you think learning an instrument shaped your Groton career?
Katrina: It helped me connect with a lot of people through music and through various ensembles, people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It also showed me another aspect of Groton that was separate from the academic or sports side.
Saniya: It definitely made it more rounded. Learning a new instrument is like learning a new language, it’s a different way of thinking about things. It helped me develop critical thinking skills and motor skills, too. I also learned a lot about music, the entire breadth of knowledge that you don’t get in science or English class, you get it here.
Irene: I had a tough adjustment period at the beginning and throughout the last year since it was the first year I was at Groton, and I guess changing my instrument made it a little more challenging because it was another completely new thing.
Any advice for music-hopefuls?
Katrina: Just go for it. It’s one 45-minute block every week, people definitely have 45 minutes to spare. Instead of spending that time on social media, take a music lesson instead. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people too, the teachers in the music department are super supportive and ready to help at any time.
Saniya: Just go for it. Don’t be scared that you’re gonna be the only one who never played an instrument. I think if you really want to play an instrument, Groton gives you the best opportunity to learn. If you have the chance to learn. Do it. It’s so worth it.
Irene: Just go for it. Seek support from [Music Department Head] Dr. [Mary Ann] Lanier and Mr. T [Chamber Orchestra Conductor Timothy Terranella]; they were really the deciding factor in my switching to the bassoon. If you really like the instrument and you want to play it then just do it, that’s what I did and it really worked out for me.
