MAESTRA MUSIC:
"10 Ways to Develop as a Student Music Director" (Chelsea Zak, April 2023)
I'm so excited to announce that I've put out my first online article! I have been a member of MAESTRA for the last few years, and it has been invaluable to me as a female musician in the theatre. So when they were searching for new blog material, I jumped at the chance so that I could write an article geared toward college students who want to develop as music directors. My hope is that this can shed some light on the incredibly unique experience of pursuing this career, and open up a larger conversation about the niche of musical theatre music direction. Check it out at the link below!
https://maestramusic.org/blog/10-ways-to-develop-as-a-student-music-director/?swcfpc=1
Pippin: The Musical, 2022 (Vassar College)
"Zak led the orchestration eloquently as the Music Director ...Zak’s ability to conduct a pit of 14 musicians was astounding and being able to see her work her own magic behind the scrim was a feat. Zak also made an appearance onstage at one point, showcasing her truly impressive accordion-playing abilities."
Sophia Wood, Miscellany News
https://miscellanynews.org/2022/11/16/arts/drama-department-production-of-pippin-is-truly-magical/
Carillon Project, Vassar College (2020-21)
"The carillon, which was installed at the start of the Fall Semester, is attached to speakers on the roof of the Chapel, enabling everyone on campus to enjoy songs that are played daily at 12:30 and 5:00 p.m. It is capable of playing more than 8,000 tunes, and music major Chelsea Zak ’23, an intern in the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices, has been taking requests to add even more to the carillon’s repertoire. “I’ve had requests for (songs by) Taylor Swift and Cardi B and even some music from some video games,” said Zak, who records the songs via a keyboard attached to the digital machine."
Larry Hertz, Miscellany News
https://www.vassar.edu/news/remember-chapel-bells
