Sunderman Spotlight: Robby Napoli
Robby Napoli (center) with recital collaborators Aaron Thompson (L) and Jasmin Eddy (Photo provided)
By Alex Pearson, Staff Writer
What is your major?
I’m a music education major with a concentration in composition.
What has been the most important part of your conservatory experience?
I think for me the most important part has been the mentorships I’ve gotten to be a part of throughout my time here. Although there are plenty more, Dr. Talbot, Dr. Natter, and Dr. Dorman come to mind. I’ve learned a ton from those three about pedagogy, conducting, composing, social issues, and handling life crises.
What are your plans after graduation?
The goal is to teach high school choir, and at some point, hopefully relatively soon, go after a masters in choral conducting!
Tell me about your recital.
Well we’ve got just over 30 minutes of music ranging from Bach to Barber to Craig Carnelia. Two of my favorite pieces on the recital are I Hear an Army by Samuel Barber and Flight by Craig Carnelia. I Hear an Army is just this raw onslaught of emotion spurred on by World War II, so you can imagine the passion and conflict in that piece; and Flight is a completely different type of style. It’s a cabaret piece that I’m singing with one of my best friends, Rick Hale, about going out into the world and finding a new life, searching for change, no matter what it takes.
What is your advice for future conservatory students?
Once you find out what it is you want to do, don’t let anything stop you. Dig everywhere for opportunity, find creative ways to do the things you want to do, and most importantly, continue the good fight to continue growth in the conservatory to be inclusive of all styles of music.
Robby Napoli’s senior recital is Sunday, October 28 at 2:30 p.m. in Paul Recital Hall.
