ABOUT THE STUDENT COUNCIL
The Student Council is an organized group dedicated to enriching and supporting student life at Manhattan School of Music.
The Student Council serves as an advocate for students and student organizations, and sponsors many diverse and exciting events during the semester.
MEET THE NEW MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD (Scroll down for their stories)
Chira Bell (BM ‘22), President Abigail Dutler (BM ‘22), Vice President Owen Storey (BM ‘21), Treasurer Angelina Bush (BM ‘23), Secretary Evan Schelton (BM ‘23), Media and Communications Liaison
Are you interested in joining the Student Council?
Email: studentcouncil@msmnyc.edu
(BM ’22, Classical Voice)
My name is Chira Bell, I am from Winchester, Virginia, and I am a junior in the Classical Voice program. I am so excited to take on being President of the Student Council this year and directing the course of action in supporting and advocating for all MSM Students!
In the next academic year, I am looking forward to launching Student Congress, a new system with Student Council, student clubs and organizations, and departmental representatives. We will be meeting on a regular basis to collaborate on making student life as fruitful and exciting as we can make it in a post COVID-19 MSM. I am excited for this new change to make it easier for students to be involved in change, and to create a more equitable system of how Student Council and the overall Congress are able to contribute to the community.
In regards to health and safety on campus in the coming year, I encourage MSM students to realize the gravity of what we are doing for the music community as a whole—from the fight against racism and oppression that student organizations have been working on all summer, to our cooperation in public health requirements when we return to campus. While this semester may not be a picture of our independent conservatory dreams, we are the builders of what will become the new routine, the new normal, the new American independent conservatory. By having our entire community participate in mask wearing, socially distancing, and cooperating with any new regulations, we will overcome and be the creators of something bigger than music—a cultural shift to selflessness and compassion.
During quarantine, I am staying musically active by intentionally practicing for 30 minutes daily and allowing myself to vocalize in different styles. I have been trying to practice more mindfulness and getting to know myself better so that I can be a better advocate and person! I have also been learning American Sign Language and participating in the common quarantine activities, Netflix Animal Crossing and lots of TikTok.
My name is Abigail Dutler, and I am a junior voice major. This is my second year on MSM Student Council’s executive board, and I will serve as Vice President for the 2020-21 school year.
I’m super excited to (hopefully) be back on campus in the fall and enriching MSM’s community.
A passion of mine is baking. I encourage myself to practice so afterwards I can make a delicious dessert!
(BM ’21, Jazz Bass)
I’m Owen Storey, and I study Jazz Bass Performance here at MSM. I am the Treasurer for Student Council, and a big part of the job is coming up with creative ways to fundraise for Student Council, and ideally in ways that also provide services to the MSM student body. Moving forward, we’re hoping to focus on interacting more closely with the various clubs at MSM, so working on joint fundraising and event planning will also become part of my job.
One of the things I’m most excited for next year is finding ways to keep people connected and engaged with their fellow students. I’m also a Resident Advisor for Andersen Hall, and in both Student Council and Residence Life, part of our goal is to organize events and programs to foster a sense of community. Given the current circumstances of the world, I think it will be an interesting challenge to connect people even when we are apart.
Although these times are turbulent and can be difficult to navigate, it also forces us to be creative in ways we never expected to be. As a young musician entering the digital age, this has forced me to consider the relationship between technology and our careers in a way that I never would have even a year ago. While in some ways it is uncomfortable, it is also good to think about these things now so that I can be ready for the future. While I may be missing out on some of the advantages of in-person schooling, experiencing playing music online and on social media has been its own education.
(BM ’23, Classical Voice)
My name is Angelina Bush, and I am a rising sophomore in the classical voice program. I am Secretary for the 2020-2021 academic year in Student Council. As secretary, I am in charge of taking notes during meetings, tracking attendance, and I am head of the Events Committee.
I am planning on completing this fall semester completely online at home. Although I am sad to not meet the incoming class in person, I am eager to virtually meet you all and hopefully we will join together in person in the spring!
During this time of insanity, I am turning to music to soothe my mind. I know that even when everything around me feels like it is falling apart, music will be there to comfort me.
My name is Evan Schelton and I am a rising sophomore Classical Voice Major. I am a proud plant dad who loves reading and hiking! My position on the Student Council Executive Board is Media and Communications Liaison.
I am looking forward to spreading new ideas throughout the school and showing all the great things we can achieve, especially in these difficult times.
This summer I’ve been watching a lot of opera performances online and learning new songs to expand my repertoire.
Student Council 2019-2020
About MSM Home Visit MSM Alumni Leadership The MSM Cultural Inclusion Initiative Fast Facts History News Offices & Staff Hire a Musician Careers at MSM Academic Calendar
Email This Page
Email Message
Page Reference (will be sent in email)
https://www.msmnyc.edu/news/meet-msm-student-councils-executive-board/
This site uses cookies to improve user experience. By continuing, you agree to our updated policy. To find out more, visit our cookie & information use policy.