Cassandra Pearson Reflects: Happiness, creativity, and the ability to give back to the community
by Tatiana Flis, Arts Council Program Administrator
On Monday, May 4th, 2020 the winners of the "Director's Award" for the Robsham Theater Arts Center were announced. This award is given out by the Robsham administrators at the end of the academic year to a student member of the RTAC team who has made a major impact in the Robsham Theater Arts Center. This year, a pair of students from the RTAC Box Office were recognized for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to supporting the Robsham arts community. The Robsham Theater Arts Center congratulates seniors Cassie Pearson and Ethan Gomez for earning this honor.
In this interview, Cassandra Pearson ’20 shares her favorite memories, advice for those wanting to get involved in the arts, and heroes in the arts world.
Cassandra Pearson (MCAS ’20)
Major: Communication
Minors: Music, Management and Leadership
ON CAMPUS JOBS: Senior Box Office Associate
STUDENT GROUP INVOLVEMENT (INCLUDE: ANY POSITIONS HELD):
University Chorale of Boston College (2019-2020: President, 2018-2019: Director of Marketing and Management)
Chamber Singers of the University Chorale
Flute Ensemble
Symphonic Band
EXHIBITIONS/PERFORMANCES:
University Chorale (Pops on the Heights, Christmas on the Heights, Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts, Spring Break Singing Tours in Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Austria and Czech Republic, Arts Festival)
Flute Ensemble (Fall and Spring Concerts, Arts Festival)
Chamber Music (Flute, Fall 2018)
The Vagina Monologues (2018-2020)
The Good Body (2019)
How have you been involved in the arts at BC?
I found my home through the arts at BC. I have been a member of the University Chorale since first semester freshman year, and have proudly served as an Officer for two years (junior year as the Director of Marketing and Management, and this year as President). I am a member of the Chamber Singers of the Chorale, as well as a flutist in the Flute Ensemble. I have performed as a soloist for both of these ensembles. In addition I acted in The Vagina Monologues for 3 years and The Good Body, both plays by Eve Ensler. I volunteered for the Arts Festival, and worked all four years in the Robsham Theater Arts Center Box Office three of which as a Senior Associate.
What is the most meaningful arts experience you’ve had at BC?
My grandfather and I hugging after singing the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
Though I have had many meaningful arts experiences at BC, I was particularly moved this year at the University Chorale and Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas on the Heights concert. Each year it is tradition for alumni of the Chorale to join the current members in singing the final song, the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah. I was lucky enough to share this experience this year with my grandfather, who was a member of the Chorale when he attended Boston College. As I stood next to my grandfather and the Chorale began to sing, I was overcome with joy and gratitude. Not only was I grateful to be sharing this experience with the person who taught me how to sing, but I was grateful to feel so much love from the group that has been my home on campus for the past four years. It is a moment I will cherish forever.
Do you have any heroes or role models in the arts, at BC and in the general art world?
The Director of the University Chorale, John Finney, has been an amazing role model for me at Boston College. He is inspiring in his leadership. Not only does he help make BC feel like home for so many students, but by my junior and senior year he was my mentor as I took on a leadership role in the Chorale. He is the heart and soul of the Chorale, and I strive to be as welcoming, kind, hardworking and creative as he is in my life. I have also been positively influenced by my grandparents, who have taught piano and voice for over 50 years. They have given so much to their students through their love and devotion to music. They are my heroes in the arts world.
Chorale Director, John Finney, last year’s President, Lauren Noonan, and I after a concert.
Have you seen ways that your studies in your non major/minor and your artistic expression interact?
I have deliberately connected my studies with my love for the arts. My Boston College education has provided the perfect opportunity to do so. Beyond being a music minor, I also wrote my senior communication honors thesis on racial casting in the performing arts. However, I have also seen my non major and minor studies interacting with the arts. For example, my freshman year I took a topic seminar called “Can Creativity Save the World?” This class required lots of artistic creativity through the development of different products, presenting them in unique ways, some of which involved acting out skits and developing video productions.
The Chamber Singers of the Chorale
How has your work in the arts at BC informed your next steps after graduation?
Serving as a Chorale Officer has helped me build some of the skills I will need to work in Arts Administration. It has improved my public speaking, accountability, and given me a chance to practice running a large arts group, which is what I would like to do in the future. My work in the Robsham Theater Box Office has also given me important tools for Arts Administration, as well as general life skills. I now have experience in public service, written and verbal communication, problem solving, and the multifaceted aspects of running an Arts Center. Beyond helping me with my future employment, working in the arts has impacted my life by filling me with happiness, creativity, and the ability to give back to the community. I can’t imagine my future life without the arts.
Me performing in The Vagina Monologues
What advice would you share with underclassmen about getting involved in the arts at Boston College?
Do not be afraid to put yourself out there! Though it may seem intimidating that almost all of the arts at BC require an audition, think of it more as a learning experience to help you grow. More often than not what matters most is your passion. If you’re passionate about something, you will put in the work. Also, no matter what you’re passionate about, BC definitely has an arts group for you! From theater, dance, music and art, you will find your niche, meet people and make memories that will last a lifetime.