Tabor student to study at prestigious music center next fall

Gramza-Steven-55348.jpg
Gramza-Steven-55348.jpg

Gramza

Tabor College junior Steven Gramza has been selected to study next fall at the prestigious Contemporary Music Center on Martha?s Vineyard in West Tisbury, Mass., as part of the BestSemester program offered by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

In addition to performing with other talented students, Gramza will delve into the entrepreneurial and technical sides of making music through 16 hours of academic courses.

?During my semester at the CMC, I expect to gain a greater understanding of how music works as an art form, and also as a business,? Gramza said. ?I know that this is something that will be an important part of who I am the rest of my life, not just this upcoming semester.?

Gramza, from Olathe, will live in a refurbished barn with 30 to 35 other students and two faculty members on Martha?s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts.

The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean will allow the students to participate in a number of outdoor activities, such as surfing, boating, fishing and scuba diving.

The students also will spend time in New York City with Sony Music and BMI as well as in recording studios in Nashville, Tenn.

Gramza, who plays the bass guitar, upright bass and acoustic guitar, said he was prepared for the opportunity, in part, because of the influence of Richard Cantwell, professor of music and music department chair, and Linda Cantwell, vice president of enrollment management and marketing, who have mentored him during his time at Tabor.

Gramza, who has been playing the bass guitar for about 10 years, performs in the Share, Prayer and Dare band at Wednesday night campus worship. He also is a member of the pep band and plays upright bass in the college?s symphonic band.

Gramza was among about 30 students chosen to attend the CMC semester. More than 100 schools submitted applications.

The CMC ?seeks to develop artists, technicians and music executives with a Christ-centered vision for music content, production and delivery,? according to the BestSemester Web site

Gramza hopes the semester spent on Martha?s Vineyard will ripen into a future filled with music.

?I know for certain that I will be immersed in music for the rest of my life,? Gramza said. ?Whether or not that means being a musician or an executive is still in debate.?

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