West High Musician Hits High Note with Sphinx Training at Juilliard
West High Musician Hits High Note with Sphinx Training at Juilliard
West High student, Sabrina Bush, is spending a portion of her summer at the Juilliard School for an intensive musical performance program, where she will further develop her skills playing the double bass.
The Sphinx Performance Academy is a full-scholarship intensive summer chamber music and solo performance program for string musicians. For two weeks, Sabrina will participate in private lessons, masterclasses, recitals, career enrichment sessions, and will receive mentorship.
With hopes to attend Juilliard following her time at the Hazelwood School District, her acceptance into this program is very valuable to Sabrina. She said she first picked up the bass three years ago due to her interest in the electric bass.
“My post graduation plans are to attend Julliard and enhance my skills as a musician. When I found out I made it into the program, I was in a state of disbelief because I was first waitlisted. This program will not only help me hone my craft to a level it's never seen before, but it will also give me lasting connections that I will keep through my music career,” Sabrina said.
Her mother, Samantha Bush, said seeing Sabrina get accepted into the program fills her with pride, as she has worked so hard and made many sacrifices for her musical aspirations.
“More than just the outcome, I’m so impressed by the effort and perseverance she has shown along the way. She has given up so much to accomplish her goals. She tackled every challenge with such strength, and it’s wonderful to see her hard work paying off so beautifully. I’m truly beaming with pride with all of her accomplishments,” her mother said.
The Sphinx Organization recognizes the lack of access to classical musical training within Black and Latino communities, and aims to provide more talented young artists with opportunities to advance their skills. Sabrina said this mission aligns with her own personal goals.
“I want to add diversity of all kinds to music so that no matter socioeconomic status, skin color, or disability, people around the world can explore music,” Sabrina said.