In their own key

Cameron Butler ’28

Hometown: Arlington, VA

Cameron didn’t have to travel far for musical inspiration. His dad, Adam, who plays piano, bass, and various world percussion instruments introduced him to a variety of musicians and playing styles early on, leading to drum lessons at age 9. Cameron plays in the wind ensemble, jazz band, The Repercussions, Goose and Moose, and Handle with Care.

How will Falls Music Center change the Andover experience?

It will encourage more students to try out music for the first time. When it first opened, everyone on campus was talking about it. I saw many friends of mine, who had never played an instrument, walk over and just mess around on a piano in one of the practice rooms. 

Hannah Jung ’28

Hometown: Katy, TX

Hannah found her passion for music along two paths: learning piano and hearing someone play the guzheng (often referred to as the Chinese harp) for the first time. She immediately began taking guzheng lessons and is one of only two students at the Academy with this unique talent. 

What do you find most rewarding about creating with music?

The potential for passing on inspiration. I would like to positively influence the community around me by bringing my background and experience in the guzheng and inspiring someone—like the 7-year-old me—to pursue what they are passionate about. 

What is a song or piece of music everyone should listen to, and why?

The Hamilton soundtrack. It’s interesting and educational and fun. You get good music with a slice of American history!

Emily Wu ’25

Hometown: Boston, MA

What drew you to playing music?

I started playing classical music when I was 4 because I wanted to be like my sisters, who both took piano lessons. I played violin and, at age 12, discovered I loved making original music, so I started songwriting and studying jazz. Things really clicked when I began collaborating and sharing music with others. I really must thank Andover for bringing me together with people who inspire me with their love for creating music.

Matteo Horvat ’25

Hometown: London, UK

What is your favorite thing about playing music at Andover?

It’s been so supportive of my musical endeavors. Lower year, a friend and I came up with an idea to host a dance called “The Bassment” that was all about bringing students together and connecting through music. It has become an annual event. I’ve also been able to learn more about music production and, this spring, plan to do an independent study on music sampling.

Brandon Fu ’25

Hometown: Weston, MA

How will Falls Music Center change the Andover experience?

It’s built to give us the best possible opportunity to pursue our aspirations. Just this term alone, I’ve begun to produce music in the recording studio. Every day I get to walk in and find something cool to do.

Amina Gorman ’26

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Amina started singing for fun when she was 3, joined a choir at 7, and began singing in operas and other shows at 10. She’s a member of Fidelio, co-head of the Keynote a cappella group, and lead singer in the Academy jazz band, Goose and Moose.

How can music education complement a student’s academic pursuits?

Learning how to collaborate with others is a valuable skill in everyday life. Critical listening and thinking about how to interpret music provides greater understanding of emotions, empathy, and connection. It can teach us so much more about ourselves and the world we live in. 

Micheal Kawooya ’26

Hometown: Columbia, SC

Micheal fell in love with singing as a preschooler, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. In third grade he started appearing in community musicals, and during the pandemic he became “obsessive” about constructing melodies. By the end of eighth grade, at age 13, he wrote and recorded his first album.

What is your favorite thing about playing music at Andover?

The diversity here is evident in every aspect of campus, especially the range of talent among students. I have been lucky in Fidelio to learn songs in other languages, taught by my own classmates. Similarly, if a piece ever needs something extra—a horn, a harp, or harmonica—there is always someone who can help out.

Shixun Song ’26

Hometown: Andover, MA

What do you find most rewarding about creating with music?

Taking notes on a page and transforming them into something alive—something that can convey my deepest emotions, tell wordless stories, or just simply bring joy to an audience. I love how music lets me communicate in a way words can’t.

William Ge ’25

Hometown: Chester Springs, PA

William started playing piano at age 4. He has since appeared with eight orchestras across the United States and Europe, including the Chopin for All concert series and NPR’s From the Top.

What does music mean to you?

It’s my greatest, most faithful companion. It’s the most versatile tool I wield, the language I understand best. It’s something that carries within it all the stories I’ve lived for 13 years—countless stars and brilliant sunsets. It’s my way (and the way of all my musician friends, I’d like to think) of finding and creating wonder out of the everyday.

Athena Zhang ’25

Hometown: Andover, MA

Athena began writing down small compositions at the age of 4. During her first All-School Meeting, she recalls being awestruck at hearing Dr. Abbey Siegfried play the two-manual, 27-stop tracker organ in Cochran Chapel’s loft. She immediately started taking organ lessons. Her original orchestra composition, “Origine,” inspired by the Phillips Academy motto Finis origine pendet (The end depends on the beginning), will be performed live in the Falls Music Center performance hall this spring.

What song do you think everybody should listen to at least once?

I am a huge fan of the piece “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” by John Adams. That specific piece has influenced me a lot in terms of writing textures and harmonies. In my opinion, minimalist music is often underappreciated in modern classical music. When listening, make sure to pay special attention to the woodblock and the building brass melody at the end.

Maggie Fulop ’26

Hometown: Lexington, MA

What is your favorite thing about playing music at Andover?

Andover is home to amazing players from all over the world who share a deep love for music. The culture of classical music is very specific, so having a close and supportive community in the music department guarantees you’ll meet like-minded peers. I have made some of my closest friends—like Annabelle, Claire, and Julia—playing in orchestra, and being around so many other talented individuals has inspired me to improve 
my playing as well.

Claire Wang ’26

Hometown: Skillman, NJ

What drew you to playing music?

I knew I loved music the minute I heard Britney Spears playing at the mall when I was 3. My parents didn’t let me listen to Britney at that time, so I’d shut my bedroom door and secretly watch her music videos while jumping on my bed. Of course, you can imagine just how quiet a 3-year-old jumping on a bed to “Oops...I Did It Again” can be, so eventually I was caught. My parents confiscated my iPad for two weeks and decided that I should channel my musical passion elsewhere: a Suzuki Book 1 Violin Group Lesson. Four-year-old me flew through those group lessons with ease, graduating to a new level each month. I credit my success to Britney.