U of M School of Music Super Fan of the Week: Jessica Narum
This SOM Super Fan Friday brings us current student and music theorist Jessica Narum. If you are interested in being a featured SOM Super Fan or would like to nominate a potential SOM Super Fan (SOM alumni, faculty, students, and staff), visit the SOM facebook page and leave a Super Fan comment.
Let's meet this week's SOM SUPER FAN!
Jessica Narum, currently pursuing a Ph.D. Music Theory, completed her M.A. in Music Theory (May 2011)
1. Where are you originally from (hometown)?
Fargo, ND
2. What instrument(s) do you play?
Piano and percussion, but recently I've taken up mandolin and ukulele, too!
3. What was the last live performance that blew you away?
Steve Schick visited the U last year and gave a really stellar performance of Psappha by Xenakis.
4. How do you view the role of classical music in today's culture?
I think there are important things that people can learn and experience through (and sometimes only through) classical music, and I feel really fortunate to live in Minnesota where the arts are highly valued. I would love to see increased focus on living composers and recent pieces because I also think we have a responsibility to support new music.
5. What do you like most about the U of M School of Music?
I am constantly impressed by my colleagues. They are thoughtful researchers, invested teachers, and just generally cool people.
6. Name your favorite musical moment at the SOM.
I love the everyday musical moments. For example, as an ear-training TA last semester I was the lone audience member for an ensemble of 32 students singing a three-part atonal warm-up that turned out to be really lovely.
7. Where is your favorite place to eat/hang out on campus and/or the Twin Cities?
Near campus I'd recommend Acadia or Town Hall, but when school's out it's hard to beat the riverside patio at Pracna.
8. What's most frequently on your playlist?
Andrew Bird, Inara George, John Vanderslice, and Regina Spektor.
9. How do you explain what a music theorist does to your family at Thanksgiving?
Music theorists try to figure out how music works. We try to figure out why a piece or even just a moment sounds right or weird or surprising or awesome.
10. What are the first three things that come to mind when someone mentions Minnesota?
I'd be lying if I didn't say "winters" first, but the other two are the Minnesota State Fair and "Minnesota nice."
