A Serenade of Gratitude

January 1, 2017

Pianist Briana Washington, recipient of the Harry Ellis Dickson Scholarship, played “gratitude songs” randomly composed during a scholarship luncheon.

Dave green

Craigie Zildjian (left), the CEO of Avedis Zildjian, greets Jas Kayser, who received the Terri Lyne Carrington Scholarship established by the Zildjian company. The cymbal manufacturer proudly supports nearly a dozen scholarships at the college.

Dave Green

Berklee student scholarship recipients recently connected with the donors who established their scholarships. At the third annual Celebration of Scholarships Luncheon on November 5, 2016, the students got to personally thank those who are providing vital support for their education. At the same time, the donors witnessed firsthand the impact of their generosity.

During the event, all attendees were invited to take a few moments to reflect and share with one another something for which they felt grateful. Each reflection was written on paper fashioned like a piano key, and together the tables arranged their “notes” of gratitude on a mock keyboard to create a gratitude song. Briana Washington, a third semester professional music major from Oakland, California, played the randomly composed melodies from the notes gathered from each table. In more ways than one, the room was filled with notes of gratitude.

This article appeared in our alumni magazine, Berklee Today Spring 2017. Learn more about Berklee Today.
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