Today’s interview is with Allie Fox. Allie is the newly hired BIMA Choral Music Intern for Summer 2012. Hailing from Michigan, she is currently a junior at Hofstra University in New York where she studies Vocal Performance Music and Judaic Studies.
1) Where is the coolest/most fun place you’ve performed?
When I was in 10th grade, the choir I was in had the incredible opportunity to sing in Carnegie Hall.
2) What advice would you give to teenagers entering BIMA/Genesis?
I would tell teenagers entering BIMA/Gensis to not take any minute for granted. The BIMA/Genesis community is truly amazing and unique. I would definitely encourage incoming participants to take full advantage of allowing themselves new experiences, exploring their Jewish and artistic (for BIMA) identity, and spending as much time as possible with all the other incredible participants.
3) What are you excited for this summer?
This summer, I am most looking forward to simply being a part of the BIMA community again. Since I attended BIMA as a participant, I have yet to come across a place as incredible and welcoming as BIMA. I am also looking forward to seeing other teenagers find their place and thrive as Jewish artists in the BIMA community.
4) What inspires you?
Jewish music (more specifically prayers set to music) inspires me. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely have a passion for secular music; however, there is nothing quite like combining the power of prayer and music. I believe that anything is possible and achievable in the realm of Jewish music.
5) What is one challenge that faces you in your work?
Currently, I am studying Voice at Hofstra University. The majority of what I sing is secular music (secular choral pieces, art songs, arias, etc). I love what I am doing at Hofstra, but I wish there was more of an opportunity for me to sing Jewish music. Although singing of any sort brings me such happiness, there is always a little part of me missing that I wish were filled with Jewish music.
