Anna Bosgra (BMus ’20; tuba) was a stand out student in the Department of Music, noted by her instructors as a dedicated student who consistently achieved high grades and strove to ensure that her musical development put her on a level to be recognized outside of uLethbridge.
Anna aimed to collaborate with musicians outside the norm for tuba players, performing an excellent work with percussionists that would have been featured at the Cantando Music Festival in April. Her hard work also paid off in being auditioning against musicians across our country and being accepted for the National Youth Band, which would have taken place in Halifax this May. She performed at every opportunity available to her, including at the Abbondànza scholarship fundraiser as a thank you to those donors for their contributions which she directly benefitted from.
“Any tuba player has to work hard with little recognition, it’s part of their role,” says studio instructor Nick Sullivan.
Anna has unequivocally worked hard to excel as a musician and will be successful in her future path in pursuing graduate studies, and has been a solid foundation for many things that have happened musically here for the past four years.
We asked Anna about her uLethbridge experience:
What is your most memorable uLethbridge experience?
My most memorable experience at uLethbridge was travelling to Taiwan with the University Wind Orchestra. Not only was it amazing to be able to explore Chiayi and Taipei with my classmates, but it was also great to work with incredibly talented musicians who inspired me to practice and work harder at my own playing.
Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your time at uLethbridge?
It really is hard to narrow faculty and friends down to just a few people, as there are so many wonderful people at the university. The most influential for myself would be Nick Sullivan, my studio professor throughout my degree, who has been constantly supportive and invested in my success as a student. Even before I had gotten into the program he worked to help me have a successful audition, and has continued with that level of support into my graduation.
What is the most important lesson you learned?
Take risks and accept opportunities that intimidate you.
What are your hopes/plans for the future?
I hope to continue on to grad school and I'm taking this year to work on audition material as well as take a break from academics. In the future I hope to be working in an orchestra and teaching at a university level.
What advice would you give to students who are about to begin their post-secondary journeys?
Be open and willing to participate beyond the minimum expectations, but also make sure to actively set aside time for yourself.
Also, always read the syllabus. Planners and calendars are your friend.