After that last busy week of non-stop gigs, I am tryin' to enjoy my last week of summer.  It's been pretty sweet because I finally got my driver's license and fixed up my ride to suit my style. Nobody will mistake by car for anyone else's. It's been endless trips to Panera and Caffe a la mode. Last week's gig money is going quickly.

Also pretty psyched because I learned that I made New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State conference for both the symphonic band (oboe)and jazz vocal ensembles.  Fun fact: Lady Gaga was in NYSSMA All-State for jazz choir.

 Just got home from GRAMMY Camp and I can't believe it's over.  Such and intense experience with so many great people. I was also lucky enough to get paired with the best roommate ever, drummer extraordinaire,Natalie DePergola. Ugh.  She better come visit soon! Gonna miss everyone so much.

We spent the week guided by our band director, Leslie Drayton, who was a founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire and served as music director/conductor for Marvin Gaye. He was no-nonsense and definitely what we needed to keep us on track. I was also inspired to work with Chris Sampson, Vice Dean of Division of Contemporary Music and Founding Director of Popular Music Program at USC Thornton School of Music.  His songwriting genius and experience was instrumental in developing songs that met each objective. 

Last night's GRAMMY Camp NY Launch Party was even better than I was expecting.  We were really well prepared and everyone sounded amazing.  I can't wait to see the video.  I hope it's released soon. 

We had a guest artist come in today to talk to us and give us feedback on our current GRAMMY Camp projects.  Caleb Shomo from hardcore metal band Beartooth, listened to our songs and walked us through his writing and recording process.  Like so many of the people at GRAMMY Camp, he is a singer and multi-instrumentalist. He was very cool and probably not what I imagined from a hardcore musician.  Always fun to see stereotypes shattered.

​​First full day of GRAMMYCamp and I got to meet with some of the best in the business.  So crazy that I hung with the amazing Corrine Bailey Rae. Put Your Records On was one of the first songs I learned.  Also met renowned photographer to the Hip-Hop World, Jonathan Mannion. My songwriting group wrote a song with some sick harmonies. #GRAMMYCamp #GRAMMYCamp2016 #GRAMMYCampNY