Kathryn Hasson
Will Noyce
Angel Gregorian
The four graduating seniors are Kathryn Hasson, Maud Utstein, Will Noyce and Angel Gregorian. Also departing is sophomore Lara Burgert, who is moving with her family to the East Coast – coincidentally to the same town where one of the newest ‘Til Dawn members just came from. ‘Til Dawn is part of Youth in Arts’ I AM mentorship program and the longest-running, year-round teen a cappella ensemble in the Bay Area. It’s directed by Austin Willacy, who performs as a solo artist and also with his own a cappella group, The House Jacks.
“It’s been a really good experience with people I have come to love so much,” Hasson said. “It’s taught me obviously so much about music but also so much about collaboration as an artist. Art is about connection, and that is what Youth in Arts is doing.”
Hasson served as the Youth in Arts’ student board member this year and attended Marin Academy. She departs this summer for Vassar College in New York and plans to join an a cappella choir there.
Noyce, a senior at San Domenico School, is headed to Santa Monica College to study film production and work for a production company. Gregorian, who attends the Marin School of the Arts, is attending Loyola University New Orleans.
One of the things she appreciated about ‘Til Dawn, she said, was a chance to deeply discuss complex events and consider multiple perspectives.
“It was always ok to be curious and talk about world issues,” she said.
Utstein, who graduated from Tamalpais High School, is attending a rock band camp this summer and then attending The College of Wooster in Ohio.
She and other ‘Til Dawn members stressed how important access to the arts is for all learners.
Lara Burgert
Noyce, who was part of ‘TIl Dawn for four years, agreed.
“What ‘Til Dawn fosters is the idea that you can have your own path,” Noyce said. “Often times, artists don’t do as well in the school system. I think ‘Till Dawn shows there are other paths.”