“As soon as I came here, the professors made me feel like they wanted me here. I wasn’t just a number to them,” reflected Emily Femino ’24, a music education major within the Sunderman Conservatory of Music. “I auditioned at seven other colleges. Gettysburg College was the first. Even after seven other places, Gettysburg was it for me.”
Femino is a contributor to the Sunderman Conservatory’s vibrant music community. Last fall, she performed her senior recital to demonstrate her academic and musical accomplishments.
“It’s something I am really proud of because it was the culmination of my four years at Gettysburg. It was 45 minutes of music in three different languages—all completely memorized,” Femino said. “It was one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done.”
The music community at Gettysburg College spans outside of the Sunderman Conservatory as well. The student-run organization Listeners & Performers has created an inclusive space for artists to diversify musical offerings on campus. Femino is Listeners & Performers’ Artistic Chair and performs in a band through the organization Swan Song.
“I’ve always loved playing the electric bass but never had an opportunity to pursue that until joining Listeners & Performers,” Femino shared. “It’s such a nice community because you have the opportunity to perform and strengthen your skills in a positive and encouraging environment.”
Femino also serves as the President of the Collegiate and National Association for Music Educators, a member of the sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma, and House Leader for Harmony House. Each of these unique opportunities at Gettysburg College has granted Femino the enduring skills needed for professional life after graduation.
Reflecting on these experiences, Femino shared her advice to incoming Sunderman Conservatory students.
“Be open to trying things outside of your comfort zone,” Femino said. “Don’t forget to explore your interests because there are so many things you can do at Gettysburg College.”
Photo by Sophia Sofia Gutierrez ’26
Posted: 07/22/24