By: Xavier Garay
Over summer break, Carter Veenstra, a junior at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), attended a camp at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where students would treat every day like a day at college. Students would wake up for breakfast in the cafeteria, then attend their block schedules with various classes like music theory, musicianship, ensemble, and other classes depending on the instrument they play. Around 6:00 p.m. is when students would get time to “jam out” with others or enjoy what the city has to offer. “You’re right across the street from the 2nd greatest ballpark (Fenway Stadium). I saw myself a couple of games there. There were concerts and shows, so of course I attended a few.”
Berklee College of Music, originally named Schillinger House, was founded in 1945 by pianist and MIT graduate Lawrence Berk. Berklee was mostly known for jazz and popular music inspired by African culture. In 2016, Berklee joined forces with the Boston Conservatory, founded in 1867 and is noted for its dance, music, and theater program. With the two together, their diversity in art, made them an arts powerhouse. Some famous alumni from Berklee include John Scofield, Quincy Jones, John Mayer, Charlie Puth, Laufey, and Rick Mitarotonda the lead singer and guitarist for the well-known jam band and Carter’s biggest influence, Goose. Although not an alumni, Meghan Trainor attended the 5-week aspire program in 2009 to 2010 while still attending high school, just like Carter. In recent years, Berklee has opened new campuses in New York, and Valencia, Spain, as well as an online school, earning the title of the world’s largest online music school. Berklee seeks to acquire many diverse students from around the world with various backgrounds and musical styles, continuing the teachings of Lawrence Berk’s mentor, composer and music theorist Joseph Schillinger.
“Learning improv is so difficult, because there really is no right or wrong answer. It’s just the ability to express your emotions musically. There has been many times where I struggled to convey my thoughts. Despite the long hours of practice, there still is struggle. But that’s the beauty of it all.”
Carter veenstra (11)
Carter’s love for music first ignited when he was nine, when he heard Eric Clapton play for the first time. One year later, Carter picked up the guitar and hasn’t put it down since. When Carter was 11, he played Everlong, by the Foo Fighters in front of his first live audience. It wasn’t exactly his best performance, but he had the time of his life. Over the years, Carter has developed a love for improvisational music and has aspired to master the art. “Learning improv is so difficult, because there really is no right or wrong answer. It’s just the ability to express your emotions musically. There has been many times where I struggled to convey my thoughts. Despite the long hours of practice, there still is struggle. But that’s the beauty of it all.” Carter’s countless hours of work and practice paid off when he received a scholarship to Berklee’s five-week aspire program. He got to meet some of the world’s most talented upcoming musicians. Amongst the vast sea of talent surrounding Carter, he felt a huge amount of pressure to keep up with his fellow peers. “When everyone around you has more experience than you, it can be really intimidating. The first couple of days were rough on my confidence. But after that, I found out how my musical voice was unique for better or for worse.” While attending Berklee, Carter gained much knowledge and experience towards his craft. This five-week program is a memory Carter will never forget, as it has changed him not only as a musician but as an avid listener and enjoyer of music. Carter seeks to continue his musical journey far beyond high school and hopes to, “Make people groove baby”.
Pictued: Victor Wooten (Left), Carter Veenstra (Right)
