Cover photo by Martin de Arriba from Pexels. Photos submitted by Hamilton seniors.

Emma Suneja

Just as some of our amazing Hamilton athletes continue to play their respective sports in college, our arts students from all corners of the school also continue their love for art into college. This year we had the honor of watching six Hamilton students sign and commit to different colleges for their art. This took place on April 29th in the Hamilton Fine Arts Center and was amazing to watch. Congratulations to all of these students, and we cannot wait to see where you go!

The process of getting into a college for the arts is significantly more work than just applying for a college. As senior Lilly Peterson explains:

“The audition process was one of the most stressful things in my life. First, we start like everybody else and have to actually apply to the university itself, but unlike most, our admissions process does not end there. I then recorded 17 separate videos of seven different pieces to send to 15 of the initial 25 schools I applied to. These videos are called prescreens, and we will either be rejected or passed through to the next round of auditions. As those results began to come in, I had already started auditioning at my non-prescreen schools. By the end of the process, I auditioned for 31 schools, 19 of those happening in one week. These auditions were comprised of a singing/acting audition where I would typically sing two songs and do one monologue. Then, I would go into a dance call where we would learn a dance and perform it in about an hour. These schools typically only take 10 to 30 people in their class, making it quite difficult to get in.”

This is one of the many ways the audition process for students going into the arts can look like.

For students going into music, there are other ways this process can happen. When asked to describe their process, senior Elena Wright said, “For the audition process for college, I submitted a 15-minute video of me playing some solo pieces, but I didn’t actually get accepted there; for UMN, there was a really short audition for marching band and a small written portion.” This process truly is unique for each student and heavily depends on what they want to major in.

Tess Dwyer

Tess will be attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to get a BFA in studio arts.

How long have you been a part of your particular art?

~6 years.

What made you choose to continue your art in college?

Art has been a passion that stuck with me since I was young and the field I believe I would be happiest in.

Do you want to shout out anyone who helped/supported you throughout your life?

Art teachers I’ve had, especially in high school, as well as my friends and family that surround and support me.

What would you say to any student who wants to go into the arts?

Push yourself to do your best and never stop creating.

Quinn Fritz

Quinn will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design to major in interior design.

How long have you been a part of your particular art?

While I’ve never worked in interior design, I’ve been doing 2D and 3D art since elementary school.

Do you want to shout out anyone who helped/supported you throughout your life?

Yes, I want to thank both of my parents for supporting my goals; I also want to thank Bri Strelow and Derek Malcore for helping me develop my artistic skills and creating a welcoming environment in the art department.

What would you say to any student who wants to go into the arts?

I say go for it! Don’t worry about doing a career you hate just because of money. There will always be something out there for whatever major you decide.

Lilly Peterson

Lilly will be attending Ithaca College to major in either musical theater or acting.

How long have you been a part of your particular art?

I've been singing and dancing for as long as I remember; I did my first show in 5th grade!

What made you choose to continue your art in college?

It's really the only thing I could ever picture myself doing. I've always wanted to help people, and I do believe theater is a way to do that.

Do you want to shout out anyone who helped/supported you throughout your life?

Yes! So many people! My family for supporting me in everything I do and never missing a performance. My voice teacher and college coaches for getting me through the crazy audition process and for helping me grow as a performer and a person. Plamann for all of her support. And my friends for putting up with me through this process and being my biggest cheerleaders.

What would you say to any student who wants to go into the arts?

It's not going to be linear, it's not going to be easy, but it is important. Keep going, we need you and your art!

Taner Schulz

Taner will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to major in Photography.

How long have you been a part of your particular art?

4 years.

What made you choose to continue your art in college?

Photography has always been super enjoyable and relaxing for me. I wanted to pursue this passion beyond high school and make it into a full-time job in the near future. However, I know I still have a lot to improve on and learn, and that's why I'm going to continue my art at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Do you want to shout out anyone who helped/supported you throughout your life?

I'd like to shout out my sister, Alysah Schulz. She is always willing to help me with anything I'm having problems with, and she is also the person who got me into photography, which I am immensely grateful for.

What would you say to any student who wants to go into the arts?

Follow your passion and surround yourself with people who can challenge and inspire you.

Madison Wagner

Madison will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities to major in English and Technical Theater.

How long have you been a part of your particular art?

I have been a part of Theatre since fifth grade, and I have had a love of writing from the moment I could read.

What made you choose to continue your art in college?

I was listening to a podcast about books, and they had a special guest. She was the editor of one of my favorite book series of all time, and when she described her job, I was captivated. Along this same line, I was researching ways I could continue being a part of Drama outside of school when I came across a "day in my life" video of a stage manager. I already loved writing, reading, and being a part of a crew, so seeing people doing the things I already love to do really inspired me.

Do you want to shout out anyone who helped/supported you throughout your life?

My Mom and Dad. Both of my parents have supported me through thick and thin. They are the ones I turn to for advice and support, and this year they have been especially amazing as looking for a college and figuring out my area of study really turned into a full-group effort.

What would you say to any student who wants to go into the arts?

I know it is cheesy but my advice is to do what your heart wants. It will be challenging but as long as you stick to what you love doing, you will find a way into your future.

Elena Wright

Elena will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities to major in computer science with a minor in music.

How long have you been a part of your particular art?

I joined band in fifth grade (8 years), but I've been playing different instruments since the year before (9 years).

What made you choose to continue your art in college?

Music has been a huge part of my life for so many years, and it's transformed who I am as a person and given me a purpose. I want to follow this passion I've discovered and see where it takes me.

Do you want to shout out anyone who helped/supported you throughout your life?

My mom, for never missing a concert or a competition and for surrounding me with music my whole life. Mr. Neubauer, for showing us all in middle school what music could be. Mr. Chanto, for geeking out with me about classical music and for being a fantastic combo director. And Mr. Waite, for opening up a world of music bigger than I could ever imagine and helping/encouraging every one of his students to be their best.

What would you say to any student who wants to go into the arts?

It's not about perfection; it's about expression. Technique is important, but true art comes from emotion. Music, painting, drawing, theater, writing, and every other type of art are all mediums for you to share a message with the world, and that message is what makes your art yours. To be a true artist, you must be your truest self.

Gabby Ziegler

Gabby will be attending Nebraska Wesleyan University to major in Music Education.

How long have you been a part of your particular art?

4 years.

What made you choose to continue your art in college?

I love how the fine arts program brings so many different people together and how music brings us together.

Do you want to shout out anyone who helped/supported you throughout your life?

Taylor Schmidt, our freshman choir teacher for sparking my interest and getting me involved. And Plamann for continuously encouraging me and helping me grow throughout the last four years.

What would you say to any student who wants to go into the arts?

Go into it with an open mind because you never know what can happen. Also, always have a positive attitude and know that it is a safe space for everyone.