* Director's Notes
* Message from Allison
* Pencil Me In:

NY EVENTS

• Harvardwood Writers' Program - Comedy Writing Spring Module, begins this Wed., Apr. 3
• Harvardwood Salon Series with Eddie Dalva, EVP at Viacom Media Networks, Fri., Apr. 19
• Harvardwood Writers' Program - Pro Screenwriters & Playwrights Working Group, begins Mon., Apr. 22
• Harvardwood Presents: THIS CHAIR ROCKS - The More You Know About Old Age, the Better It Looks! Wed., Apr. 24

BOSTON EVENTS

• ***Harvardwood, OCS, & HUTV present: I Was A Showbiz Intern (an ARTS FIRST event), Wed., Apr. 24
• W.E.B. DuBois Institute invites Harvardwood to Locke Lectures: Art in Africa and African America, begins Tues., Apr. 2
• OFA invites Harvardwood to a master class with Barbara Cook, Thurs., Apr. 4
• OFA invites Harvardwood to...Play It Forward: Celebrating Tom Everett, Sat., Apr. 13
• W.E.B. DuBois Institute invites Harvardwood to Mapping Blackness in Contemporary African Art, begins Tues., Apr. 23

LA EVENTS

• Brown University Entertainment Group & Harvardwood co-present THE LEAGUE SHOW, Thurs., Apr. 4
• Harvardwood Heads To...Kelley Nicole back at the Red Light Lounge! Sat., Apr. 13
• Harvardwood Seminar Series presents: Writing The Spec Script that Launches Your TV or Feature Career, Thurs., Apr. 18
• Harvardwood Salon Series presents: The Past, Present, & Future of Cable TV, Thurs., Apr. 25
• Harvardwood Heads To...A Million White Stars Record Release Party and Show! Fri., Apr. 26

* April Deadlines approaching for the inaugural Beijing International Screenwriting Competition (No Entry Fees - Cash prizes & all expense paid trips to Beijing for winners - deadlines April 7 & 20)
* LAST CHANCE to join the Harvardwood Writers' Program in NY for the Comedy Writing Module (begins this Wed., April 3)
* 2013 Harvardwood Summer Internship Listings Now Available
* Seeking summer housing for students in LA & NY
* Seeking participants for the Professional Screenwriters & Playwrights Working Group - NY (begins April 22)
* 2013 Harvardwood's "Most Staffable Writers" Named!
* Get involved with Harvard Serves this April
* Check out a review of Harvardwood Presents: Berenika & Friends Play Mendelssohn
* Industry Successes
* Featured Member Posting: Seeking DIRECTOR for fully-financed indie feature
* Member Profile: Elizabeth Frascoia '00

Director's Notes

Here’s the message for this April folks – don’t procrastinate! There are so many opportunities to take advantage of this month; I don’t want anyone to miss ‘em. In NYC, the writing groups are gearing up again – be sure to apply soon for the comedy-writing module, (which begins this Wednesday) and the professional screenwriters and playwrights group (which begins on April 22). And the Harvardwood Summer Internship Program (HSIP) opportunities are now available to interested students. Submit your internship applications and learn more about what it means to be a Showbiz Intern at our ARTS FIRST kick-off event on April 24th! And of course don’t forget about the inaugural Beijing Screenwriting Competition! Proposals for the first round of the feature film competition are due April 7 (and for students – short film screenplays are due April 20). They even announced a few new prizes, check out the full rundown here.

Lastly, a HUGE congrats is in order for our very own Prez, Allison Kiessling, one of this year’s "Most Staffable Writers!” Read below to learn more about all of our talented 2013 MSWs.

-- Kelley

Message from Allison

Happy Spring! And, can we sleep on your couch this summer? Every June Harvardwood welcomes a new crop of summer interns to Los Angeles and New York for the Harvardwood Summer Internship Program (HSIP). These internships provide students with the valuable first (mostly unpaid) steps to embark on their arts, entertainment, or media careers. If you have a spare couch, futon, sleeping bag, or room(s) you can provide to a student or students (either free or discounted) for an extended period of time this summer (most internships run from mid-June to early August) please let us know! In addition to our undying gratitude, you will receive a free year of Full Membership to Harvardwood and you will be invited to attend special HSIP activities. Hosts are NOT expected to provide transportation, meals, entertainment, etc.

If interested, please email us at [email protected] with the subject line HOUSING. Thank you very much in advance for your help.

- Allison

Pencil Me In...

NY - Harvardwood Writers' Program - Comedy Writing Spring Module, begins this Wed., Apr. 3

LAST CHANCE to join the Comedy Writing module of the NYC Harvardwood Writers' Program! - Spring 2013, NYC. Open to writers across all forms -- fiction, memoir, short humor, sketch, plays/screenplays/TV scripts. 8 sessions, every other Wednesday, 7pm-9pm, midtown Manhattan, starting April 3rd. The group will aim to workshop ideas and material, provide feedback, and hopefully inspire new work. Led by Jeremy Blachman HLS '05, published novelist (ANONYMOUS LAWYER -- a satire about corporate law, developed for TV by NBC and currently in development for film) and writer of short humor pieces for McSweeney's, Barnes & Noble, The New Republic, and elsewhere… To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=298305&group=

NY - Harvardwood Salon Series with Eddie Dalva, EVP at Viacom Media Networks, Fri., Apr. 19

Participate in this intimate Q&A with Eddie Dalva, Executive Vice President, Content and Program Enterprises, Entertainment and Media Groups at Viacom Media Networks! Dalva has a wide array of business and creative responsibilities, including the worldwide distribution and financing of content. He also seeks out scripted and alternative programming opportunities, building on a wide range of relationships and partnerships he's developed throughout his career. He's assisted in the acquisition of numerous series, specials, concerts and motion pictures, most recently brokering the deal for MTV 2's HIP HOP SQUARES with CBS and the successful syndication of TV Land's hit series HOT IN CLEVELAND, both domestically and internationally. As one of the first employees at VH1, he helped guide the network to its initial success, responsible for much of VH1's highest rated programming including the acquisition of Fashion Television, which led to the VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards…Eddie has opened himself up to Harvardwood members to talk about working in the entertainment business, his experiences at Viacom, and to answer any questions about his career path. Please note that we have limited space for this event and it is open to Full Members only…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=312011&group=

NY - Harvardwood Writers' Program - Pro Screenwriters & Playwrights Working Group, begins Mon., Apr. 22

The group's leader, Greg DePaul, is a screenwriter (BRIDE WARS, SAVING SILVERMAN) and playwright whose plays have been produced in NY and L.A. He has an MFA in Playwriting and has led writing workshops in NY (for Harvardwood) and L.A. When he's not writing, he practices entertainment law… The group will meet every second Monday at 7 p.m., beginning on April 22. Open to dues-paying members (Full Members and Friends of Harvardwood) …Members should have worked professionally as a screenwriter or playwright. For screenwriters, this means they've sold or optioned material, whether film or TV. For playwrights, this means they've had work produced. The group will meet bi-weekly to chat, discuss the industry, especially the NY scene, and exchange work for critique…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=310444&group=

NY - Harvardwood Presents: THIS CHAIR ROCKS - The More You Know About Old Age, the Better It Looks! Wed., Apr. 24

Why are we so frightened of aging? Why do we condescend to the very young and old alike? Why do we feel so uncomfortable even thinking about aging? Blogger, writer, and activist Ashton Applewhite tackles this head-on, saying we should wake up to the ageism around us, cheer up, and push back! There will be a reception and a talk with Ashton Applewhite …To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=308449&group=

***BOSTON - Harvardwood, OCS, & HUTV present: I Was A Showbiz Intern (an ARTS FIRST event), Wed., Apr. 24

Help us kick off ARTS FIRST at this fun panel event and start your showbiz networking early! Come hear from your fellow peers about what it's really like to work in the entertainment business. Get tips on how to find your first opportunity, what different jobs are like, and how to make a great first impression…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=310440&group=

BOSTON - W.E.B. DuBois Institute invites Harvardwood to Locke Lectures: Art in Africa and African America, begins Tues., Apr. 2

Holland Cotter, Pulizter Prize winning Art Critic, The New York Times presents the Alain LeRoy Locke Lectures: Art in Africa and African America: An Art Critic’s Tale, a lecture in three parts …To view full posting, please visit: http://harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=298061&group=

BOSTON - OFA invites Harvardwood to a master class with Barbara Cook, Thurs., Apr. 4

Legendary vocalist and actress Barbara Cook, a 2011 Kennedy Center honoree and star of the original Broadway productions of THE MUSIC MAN and CANDIDE, among others, will conduct a master class with Harvard undergraduate singers…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=311500&group=

BOSTON - OFA invites Harvardwood to...Play It Forward: Celebrating Tom Everett, Sat., Apr. 13

Tom Everett, who retired this year after serving Harvard University as Director of Bands for over four decades, will be the guest of honor at this concert featuring the Harvard Jazz Bands and two of Everett's most notable proteges, saxophonist/composers Joshua Redman '91 and Don Braden '85…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=311499&group=

BOSTON - W.E.B. DuBois Institute invites Harvardwood to Mapping Blackness in Contemporary African Art, begins Tues., Apr. 23

Steven Nelson, Associate Professor of African and African American Art History, University of California, Los Angeles presents the first Richard Cohen Lectures: Mapping Blackness in Contemporary African & Afro-Atlantic Art a lecture in three parts…To view full posting, please visit:
http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=298064&group=

LA - Brown University Entertainment Group & Harvardwood co-present THE LEAGUE SHOW, Thurs., Apr. 4

The Brown University Entertainment Group and Harvardwood are proud to sponsor a new stand-up comedy night showcasing Ivy talent. We call it THE LEAGUE SHOW. This monthly show in Los Angeles, CA will feature stand-up comics that are graduates of the prestigious Ivy League: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Columbia, and Penn. These hysterically funny men and women once rubbed shoulders with the very best and brightest — before throwing it all away to come to Hollywood! …To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=309601&group=

LA - Harvardwood Heads To...Kelley Nicole back at the Red Light Lounge! Sat., Apr. 13

Kelley Nicole is extremely excited to be featured again at the Red Light Lounge, LA's premier night of soul music & poetry. And this time she's got the all-star band line-up backing up her vocals -- Jason Carpenter (world-class drummer for Edgar Winter), Dre Bowman on bass (Usher, Will.I.am), and C-Aye Purcell on keys (Kirk Franklin, Jodeci, Nate Dogg). Don't miss Kelley Nicole's fun mix of soul and funk on April 13th! …To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=311968&group=

LA - Harvardwood Seminar Series presents: Writing The Spec Script that Launches Your TV or Feature Career, Thurs., Apr. 18

This seminar covers what agents and managers are looking for in today’s marketplace and shares the best ways to launch a career. It will be led by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Corey Mandell and will cover a series of topics including: "How to avoid the mistakes most writers make when trying to break in” and "Specific strategies for writing the pilot or feature spec script that can launch a career.”…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=308382&group=

LA - Harvardwood Salon Series presents: The Past, Present, & Future of Cable TV, Thurs., Apr. 25

Join Harvardwood for a broad-ranging discussion of the past, present, and future of cable television. Leading this salon will be Charles Hirshhorn '79. As President AEG/AXS TV since 2009, Charles Hirschhorn brings more than 25 years experience in film production, television, cable, broadband, animation and video games to this Live Entertainment TV Network. Launched in July, 2012, AXS TV is a partnership between Mark Cuban, AEG, CBS, CAA and Ryan Seacrest Media…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=311495&group=

LA - Harvardwood Heads To...A Million White Stars Record Release Party and Show! Fri., Apr. 26

Alum singer-songwriter Sara Melson will be performing live in celebration of the release of her upcoming new album, A MILLION WHITE STARS, at the beautiful Besant Lodge in the heart of Beachwood Canyon. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to all ages. A MILLION WHITE STARS follows Sara's debut release DIRTY MIND on Nettwerk Records. Her songs have been featured in numerous film and tv shows including GREY'S ANATOMY and a multi-spot Chevy campaign. She has sung backups for Moby, The Dandy Warhols, and Mojave 3, and has opened for Ben Folds, Julianna Hatfield, and Lissie. More info at www.saramelson.com …To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=309473&group=

April Deadlines approaching for the inaugural Beijing International Screenwriting Competition (No Entry Fees - Cash prizes & all expense paid trips to Beijing for winners - deadlines April 7 & 20)

Harvardwood is one of the partners in the first-ever Beijing International Screenwriting Competition! Open to US-based contestants of all nationalities, the competition is asking writers to submit both short film (the short film portion is open to full-time film students) and feature film screenplays (open to all US-based writers) centered on Beijing and its rich, multifaceted culture. As the first of its kind, the goal of this groundbreaking initiative is to foster artistic collaboration and an ongoing creative dialogue between China and the US…. Proposals for the first round of the feature film competition are due April 7, and short film screenplays are due April 20. And note -- there is no entry fee for this competition. The top finalists for each will be announced in May. In addition to international recognition, there will be prizes totaling more than $100,000 in value, including all-expense paid trips to Beijing in June. And up to seven Short Film Grand Prize winners will have their films produced in Beijing. NEW PRIZE ALERT: the competition has added prizes from FINAL DRAFT SOFTWARE to the pot! …To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/news/118337/Submit-for-the-inaugural-Beijing-International-Screenwriting-Competition.htm

LAST CHANCE to join the Harvardwood Writers' Program in NY for the Comedy Writing Module (begins this Wed., April 3)

Open to writers across all forms -- fiction, memoir, short humor, sketch, plays/screenplays/TV scripts. 8 sessions, every other Wednesday, 7pm-9pm, midtown Manhattan, starting April 3rd. The group will aim to workshop ideas and material, provide feedback, and hopefully inspire new work. Led by Jeremy Blachman HLS '05, published novelist (ANONYMOUS LAWYER - a satire about corporate law, developed for TV by NBC and currently in development for film) and writer of short humor pieces for McSweeney's, Barnes & Noble, The New Republic, and elsewhere. (See http://jeremyblachman.com for more.) The cost is $79. Email [email protected] with any questions…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/news/116316/Join-the-Harvardwood-Writers-Program-in-NY-for-the-Comedy-Writing-module.htm

2013 Harvardwood Summer Internship Listings Now Available

We are happy to announce that the 2013 Harvardwood Summer Internship Program (HSIP) list of opportunities is now available! Started in 2003, HSIP provides a list of summer internship opportunities in the arts, media and entertainment to interested Harvard students. In addition, HSIP facilitates career-related activities throughout the summer for participating students and companies in NYC and LA. To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/?page=hsiplistings

Seeking summer housing for students in LA & NY

Harvardwood seeks accommodations hosts for the 2013 Harvardwood Summer Internship Program (HSIP). The HSIP provides a list of summer internship opportunities in the arts, media, and entertainment to interested Harvard students. In addition, HSIP facilitates career-related activities throughout the summer for participating students and companies in NYC and LA. Because several of these internships are unpaid, many HSIP participants are in need of free or discounted accommodations to help defray the costs of accepting these opportunities. If you have a spare couch, futon, sleeping bag, or room(s) you can provide to a student or students (either free or discounted) for an extended period of time this summer (most internships run from mid-June to early August) please let us know!

In addition to our undying gratitude, you will receive a free year of Full Membership to Harvardwood and you will be invited to attend special HSIP activities. Hosts are NOT expected to provide transportation, meals, entertainment, etc.

If interested, please email us at [email protected] with the subject line HOUSING. Thank you very much in advance for your help.

Seeking participants for the Professional Screenwriters & Playwrights Working Group - NY (begins April 22)

The group's leader, Greg DePaul, is a screenwriter (BRIDE WARS, SAVING SILVERMAN) and playwright whose plays have been produced in NY and L.A. He has an MFA in Playwriting and has led writing workshops in NY (for Harvardwood) and L.A. When he's not writing, he practices entertainment law… The group will meet every second Monday at 7 p.m., beginning on April 22. Open to dues-paying members (Full Members and Friends of Harvardwood)… Members should have worked professionally as a screenwriter or playwright. For screenwriters, this means they've sold or optioned material, whether film or TV. For playwrights, this means they've had work produced. The group will meet bi-weekly to chat, discuss the industry, especially the NY scene, and exchange work for critique …To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/events/event_details.asp?id=310444&group=

2013 Harvardwood's "Most Staffable Writers" Named!

Congratulations are in order for this year’s "Most Staffable Writers!” The following talented writers were selected for Harvardwood's 3rd annual list of "Most Staffable TV Writers" by a panel of a dozen television executives, writers, producers, agents and managers. The writers' original TV pilots were judged for excellence in categories that included marketability and originality. Each writer will receive one-on-one mentorship with two television professionals. This year’s "Most Staffable Writers” are: Sam Chalsen, FORENSIC STATE (one-hour drama), Sue Chung, SHROUDED (one-hour drama), Allison Kiessling, ELIXIR (one-hour drama), Matt Roller, HOMESCHOOLED (half-hour comedy), &Ryan Slattery, MARKET & CASTRO (half-hour comedy). Check out the press release featured in DEADLINE and view more information here: http://www.harvardwood.org/news/118303/2013-Harvardwoods-Most-Staffable-Writers-Named.htm

Get involved with Harvard Serves this April!

Join HCSC and the HAA for Harvard Serves! Please review this message from the Harvard Serves committee about how to get involved...Last year, 53 cities and over 1,000 alumni worldwide participated in Harvard’s Global Month of Service in April. In LA, we again topped all cities' participation, with over 230 alumni volunteering with 27 organizations. We couldn't have done it without you - helping set the bar. This year, we invite you to participate again. As this is the 5th anniversary for "Harvard Serves,” we hope to double our participation this April…To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/news/116612/Get-involved-with-Harvard-Serves-this-April.htm

Check out a review of Harvardwood Presents: Berenika & Friends Play Mendelssohn

For those that missed Harvardwood Presents: Berenika & Friends Play Mendelssohn on Feb. 27, 2013, check out this wonderful review of the program by Harvardwood member, Jon Sobel: http://blogcritics.org/music/article/concert-review-trio-desto-plays-mendelssohns/ …And check out reviews of other Harvardwood events here:
http://www.harvardwood.org/?Press

Industry Successes...

Harvardwood congratulates Cameron Porsandeh, who is creator and co-executive producer of the dark thriller HELIX, executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and picked up for a 13-episode straight to series order on the Syfy Channel!

Terence O'Toole Murnin '84 and Cynthia Emmons of Cyner and Saint Productions (www.CynerandSaint.com) are currently pitching a TV Pilot entitled CLUB CASUALTIES. 40s are the new 30s at the Camelback Health & Racquet Club in Scottsdale, Arizona! CHRC casualties come to workout hard, seduce their next mate, unleash their weekend warrior, learn who does the best nip 'n tuck and shoot steroids for their best rip. Dissatisfied, trophy wives Zumba, while sex-starved moms flaunt Hot Yoga sinew. Testosterone-jacked businessmen cling to yesterday's self-image while searching for the fountain of youth. Sex, skin and scandal -- ooh, la, la!!! Agents, managers, producers, actors, and industry professionals interested in this 100-episode franchise can access the TV Pilot at www.InkTip.com.

Alum singer/songwriter Sara Melson is slated to release her new record, A MILLION WHITE STARS, on April 30th, with iTunes pre-orders available in early April. The album follows up the artist's 2008 Nettwerk Records debut, DIRTY MIND, tracks from which have been featured on numerous film and TV soundtracks, including GREY'S ANATOMY and a multi-spot Chevy campaign. A review and download of the new album's first single, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/bsfwkdg. For soundtrack licensing inquiries, please contact Scott Cresto: [email protected] ...Harvardwood members and friends are invited to attend Melson's record release show and party at Besant Lodge in Beachwood Canyon on 4/26. More info is at www.saramelson.com and Facebook.com/saramelson.

Kurt Bodden's solo show, "Steve Seabrook: Better Than You," has been extended through May 18 in San Francisco. Robert Hurwitt raved, "Attend one session with Steve Seabrook and you may never need to see a motivational speaker again. Bodden deftly and comically dismantles the whole profession. 'Seabrook' is very funny." (SF Chronicle). And Leslie Katz: "Filled with laughs! Bodden is pitch-perfect." (SF Examiner). It runs Thursdays & Saturdays at the Marsh - see www.themarsh.org.

Featured Member Posting: Seeking DIRECTOR for fully financed indie feature

Synopsis for STICKS AND STONES (Written by David Zeltser and Max Faugno): Sophia Wheeler is profoundly anxious and well practiced in avoiding conflict with her verbally and psychologically abusive husband, Walter. Their ten-year-old daughter, Jackie, is quietly defiant. When Sophia's work schedule shifts, the girl is forced to spend evening after evening alone with her father. At her breaking point, Jackie runs away from Redding to San Francisco. The bulk of the story follows the girl's journey in the city and her parents' parallel struggle to find her. The girl is plucky and resourceful and attracts the likes of some very interesting 'parental substitutes' in the city. STICKS AND STONES deals with an often-ignored form of domestic abuse--verbal and psychological. The project's title derives from the old children's rhyme "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me." The script also explores what it means to be a parent. Please send a resume and/or description of your work as a features director. Also please mention the best way to see your work. Our investor has asked for a director with at least one strong dramatic feature film in a major festival. Please contact David Zeltser or Max Faugno. Some initial reviews: --Elizabeth Karlsen (producer, THE CRYING GAME, LITTLE VOICE): "It is moving, tender, and edgy.” --Caroline Thompson (screenwriter, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS): "Their wonderful script plucks apart the American dream in an entirely original and witty way. The writing is accomplished. The writers have vision. They also have an extraordinary flexibility. They are the real deal.” --Oren Moverman (director THE MESSENGER, RAMPART): "I really like this script. I found it beautiful and touching and clever. A great read. Very refreshing.” --Alix Madigan (producer, WINTER'S BONE): "Such a lovely, nuanced piece of writing.” --Bobby Rock (producer, KINSEY, EVE'S BAYOU): "Very nicely written; strong characters. It should make a great Sundance-type film.” …To view full posting, please visit: http://www.harvardwood.org/networking/apply_now.aspx?view=2&id=152038

Member Profile: Elizabeth Frascoia '00

by Cristina Slattery

Elizabeth Frascoia, who was known as Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen in college and in the years prior to getting married, is a trombone player, singer, composer, arranger and jazz educator. She says that she finally "admitted that she wanted to play music” in her mid-twenties after having worked in the dot-com sector in the early 2000s. After this realization, Frascoia attended Queens College, where she earned a graduate degree in music; she has been teaching, touring, writing songs and playing in venues in the New York area as well as internationally, ever since. This Vermont native’s love for music was kindled in childhood. Her father is a jazz musician, her grandmother taught piano, and her mother is also musical, so growing up in the family home in Woodstock, Vermont, Frascoia was exposed to the sounds of some of her now-favorite musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Ray Anderson, a trombone player.

In fifth grade, Frascoia chose the trombone. Why not? Although most girls gravitated – or were steered towards – instruments such as the flute, violin and clarinet, Frascoia said she found the trombone fascinating. She still loves the way that the instrument can glide between notes, unlike instruments such as the piano where there are distinct keys for each note. In high school, she continued to play the trombone and she also explored her love of acting. And, this musician who has toured internationally as a member of Michael Bolton’s band, and who has been a guest musician on the hit TV show, AMERICAN IDOL this year and last year, says that her five-week music course at Berklee College of Music in Boston during a summer in high school, allowed her to meet young musicians from other countries and showed her how music could transform a person’s life. She saw how mastering an instrument had enabled all of those she studied with that summer the opportunity to attend a prestigious program in a city that was new to most of them, and realized that a career in music also offered the possibility of international travel and friendships with those who grew up in settings that contrasted greatly with the tranquil Vermont setting of her childhood.

Frascoia is still in contact with friends from this transformative summer, and, as a teacher, she works to help children gain confidence in themselves through music. She currently teaches classes each week on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, at Cornelia Connelly, a Catholic school for less-advantaged middle school girls. Here, she shows her students that they can "be creative” and that they can have fun learning piano. Frascoia thinks that girls, in particular, need to be encouraged more since there are fewer female role models, especially in the jazz world. She is also the Program Director of the Governor’s Institute for the Arts in her native Vermont. She attended this program and appreciates the fact that she is able to give back to students from her home state and show them that a career in music and the arts is, in fact, possible. (N.B. She is available to conduct workshops at schools across the country, so if any Harvardwood readers would like to have her visit a school with which they are affiliated, she would be delighted!)

Hurlbut and Eliot House were both home to Frascoia at Harvard and she now lives with her husband in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. She says that Harvard taught her to "say yes to things and to accept opportunities.” This psychology concentrator who specialized in neuroscience played in that Jazz Band in college and who also participated in Ballroom Dance may not have envisioned herself playing gigs in the New York City subway after graduation. But, Frascoia hints that the desire to make her living as a musician was always right under the surface, even though she wasn’t sure, even in college, that she would be able to make this dream become reality. "Life is different every day,” Frascoia says about her professional life in music. One of her greatest challenges is "staying motivated to change and grow,” she acknowledges, and she makes a conscious effort to "insert herself into different” music scenes in New York and elsewhere. For example, Frascoia has played with a bluegrass band in the city, although bluegrass is not a genre with which she had had much prior experience. As a composer, Frascoia helps singer-songwriters with their music, and she emphasizes that young graduates who would like to "make it” as musicians need to be both "positive and nice” to the people they interact with, since getting along with people is a key ingredient to success in a band or ensemble and on tour, and that they should "be out listening to live music” so that they can hear genres and styles that are new to them.

One of her former teachers, an ethnomusicologist named Jacob Edgar, also from Vermont, is the host of a PBS show called "Music Voyager,” in which he travels the world to find musicians who may not be known internationally, but should be appreciated by a wider audience. Frascoia, who goes by "elizabeth!” professionally, has taken her own voyage in music. She has taught a month-long workshop in Ecuador with a fellow musician from New York and she has been able to grow through her local journeys as a member of various bands and ensembles in the New York area. Her second album, BRAINCHILDREN, was released last year and this brunette singer, trombone player and teacher, who wants to inspire young people to challenge themselves and follow their musical passions, seems to have created a path for herself by pursuing what she loves. She has been connecting with musicians in both New York and in Los Angeles, where she lived last year with her husband who worked as a psychiatry resident there, and she has toured internationally. What is the next step in her professional trajectory? Frascoia seems optimistic that the opportunities will arise through the network that she has cultivated and through musicians she will meet and perform with in the future. She says that she does have some routine and some touchstones in her life as a freelance performer, musician and teacher, and she likes the varied rhythm to her days and weeks.

"Joy is believing in yourself and following your dreams,” states Prescilla, a middle school student who will graduate in 2015 from the school where Frascoia teaches her music classes. This quotation is located front and center on the school’s website and it seems that one of the messages that elizabeth! is trying to teach her students is getting through. Let’s hope that the students do not lose this youthful enthusiasm and see that, like elizabeth!, even in adulthood, it is important to believe in oneself and work to create a path that allows one’s innate talent to be seen – and heard!

Find out where elizabeth! will turn up next and purchase BRAINCHILDREN at www.elizabethjazz.com.

Cristina Slattery is currently living in Barcelona, Spain where she continues to teach English to private students and writes freelance articles on a regular basis for a variety of publications. Her most recent article was featured in the Wall Street Journal!

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