"Playing in the [Princeton University Orchestra] for the past four years have been one of my best experiences at Princeton. Most of my closest friends are from the group. It's great to have a sense of camaraderie among an orchestra of almost 100 people!
"Going on three orchestra tours in the last four years was also great. Frosh year we went to Spain, Junior year we did a Sept. 11 memorial tour to Philadelphia, New York and D.C. and ended up raising over $10,000 for the 9/11 fund which was great. This past Intercession, we travelled to Vienna, Austria and Brno and Prague, Czech Republic. These were all not only great musical experiences, but brought the orchestra closer.
Serving as Co-Chair of the PUO from 2002-2003 was also a wonderful experience, I learned a lot about how to run a large organization and how to bring a large group of people together.
In addition to PUO, I'm in the Certificate for Musical Performance Program and took private lessons with Sally Thomas, a Professor at the Juilliard School of Music my Frosh and Sophomore years. I currently study with Anna Lim at Princeton. I've also studied chamber music with members of the Brentano String Quartet as part of MUS 213 which was amazing. I've also played for gigs around town.
I plan to keep playing violin next year as it's a very important part of my life. I've been playing since age seven and thought about going to a conservatory and playing professionally post-Princeton for a while.
Although I no longer plan on doing that, I hope to keep learning concertos, playing chamber music, joining orchestras and perfecting my violin playing wherever I may be. I've put too much into it so far to just stop at this point!" — Alice Wang, Princeton University Orchestra, Co-Chair, Co-Section Leader of the Violin section.
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"The Footnotes sung me into the group early on a Friday morning my sophomore spring. I was immediately counted on to perform in shows, even when knowing only one or two of the nine songs we'd be performing!
By being a part of the Footnotes, I've gotten to share several memorable moments with more than 20 great guys. Through touring, performing, recording and partying, it was part of my college experience that I wouldn't have traded for anything else." — Ryan Goldenberg, The Princeton Footnotes, Treasurer 2002.
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"Starting Naacho, Princeton University's Indian Dance Troupe, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I have enjoyed watching the group grow in enthusiasm and size throughout the years! I think I can speak for the whole troupe in saying that it was incredible to finally host our own show this spring and perform for an appreciative sold-out audience!
Moreover, it has been exciting to watch the impact Naacho has made on this campus, especially by providing South Asians with another outlet to embrace and express their culture.
Through Naacho, I have not only been able to further pursue my interest in Indian dance, but I have also worked with a variety of personalities and dance levels. While I will certainly miss Naacho, I am very glad that I will be able to continue dancing next year. I have auditioned and now will be performing with Arya International." — Sonali Shah, Naacho, founder and co-president.
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"Message: Fellow TFG' s – I don't think there is any way that I could put into words what you guys and the group has meant and done for me in the past three years. Granted, things got strenuous at times (smile), but most of my favorite memories were born out of being with you at ridiculous times of the day, for a ridiculous amount of hours.
Seniors — We did it! We singlehandedly pulled Tigressions out of extinction, and we put on the best Jam EVER! Newbies — you rock! Loosen up, have fun and don't take the group for granted!
At some point it will be the most important thing you ever did. Baby! Mommy's going to miss you. Good luck next year!" — Sapna Gupta, Tigressions.
"Being in BodyHype has been one of the most significant parts of my Princeton experience. Coming to Princeton as a ballet dancer with very little experience in other forms of dance, it has really opened my eyes to those other varieties of dancing – including jazz and hip hop (which are the backbone forms of BodyHype dancing) as well as modern.
During my four years in the company, I have not only had the chance to perform in a completely sold-out Richardson auditorium filled with a wild audience, but have had the opportunity to choreograph my own dances – turning my visions into the realities seen on stage.
Besides performing and choreographing, however, BodyHype has really meant more to me. I have been so honored to have been Artistic Director and Assistant Artistic Director of the company. Through these positions, I am so grateful to have had the chance to take an active role in shaping the vision of the company. I have learned that we are not just the group with the 'good, technical dancers.' We have truly pushed the boundaries of what student dance companies have done on campus by constantly exploring the endless artistic opportunities of dance.
We move beyond the focus of jumps, turns and pirouettes to ask ourselves what kind of message are we trying to send? What does this dance mean to us? These are the ultimate questions that have allowed me, as well as the other dancers in BodyHype, to become such versatile, diverse artists. BodyHype has really taught me to challenge myself — to move away from the comfortable to the uncomfortable . . . to unfamiliar grounds. I have learned that comfort may not always be the best thing.
Lastly, BodyHype has been my family here at Princeton. My time in the company, and here at Princeton, would not have been so exciting, enjoyable and memorable without the support and encouragement provided by each 'BodyHyper.' I am truly going to miss the bodyshot parties, BodyHype board games, crazy nights on the dance floor at the Street, and receiving 5 a.m. 'Wa Run' emails . . . Body body . . ." — Marianne Yip, BodyHype Dance Company, Artistic Director for one year, Assistant Artistic Director for one year.
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"I was involved with two major groups for three or more years. These groups are Ballet-Folklorico de Princeton and The Princeton Footnotes all-male a cappella. The reason I enjoyed being in Ballet-Folklorico is because the current group is full of strong individuals who have all contributed selflessly to the group's success. It has come an extremely long way this year, starting out with three members and expanding its membership to 11. Furthermore, I started dancing with no previous experience and have learned so much about this part of my heritage and how beautiful an art it really is.
I enjoyed the Footnotes because it allowed me to develop a passion for singing that I have been cultivating since my senior year of high school. The singing and the friendships have been great. It's been rough sometimes, but I can count on this cool group of guys to resolve its issues and press on. It is amazing to see such a talented group of friends come together to build upon an institution of business, song and camaraderie.
To all of you seeking an activity/hobby, find something that makes you happy and opens your eyes to the wonderful forms of expression offered by dozens of multicultural groups. College is a time during which you can really learn a lot about nonacademic interaction. Take advantage." - Benito San Miguel, Ballet Folklorico de Princeton, The Princeton Footnotes.
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Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment approves renovations to Tower and Charter Clubs
Sena Chang and Isaac BernsteinOn March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
On March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
Students support local businesses with new platform Zage
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This fall, go beyond the 'Bubble'
Dora ZhaoEven though classes are picking up, weekends are the perfect time for students to escape the Orange Bubble. While going out to eat on Nassau is enjoyable, there is so much to see beyond Princeton. For those looking for a day trip or a chance to explore the area outside of Princeton, here is a list of ideas to do this fall.