Students Explore Love for Music at East Central College

Growing up, her dad played the trumpet. Later in life, New Haven-native Mallory Kampschroeder decided to take it up herself.

“I love being able to express myself through music,” she explained, “and being able to connect with others through a common interest.”

Classical music is her specialty, but there’s another type of music she’s quite fond of.

“I love playing waltzes,” she said, “as well as fast and exciting pieces. I love playing anything that challenges me and pushes me to be a better musician.”

After graduating from Washington High School, she chose to go to East Central College.

“I knew it was affordable,” she said. “I had already been exposed to the many music events and festivals at the college, and I had met many of the teachers there.”

Kampschroeder plans to transfer to a four-year university next year to study music education.

It’s a path Bernadette Comage plans to take as well. The St. Francis Borgia Regional High School alumna plays the piano.

“I initially started playing the piano because of my older sister,” she explained. “She played a little, and I wanted to be like her! I stuck with it because it was challenging, and I liked that.”

About four years ago, she started taking lessons with East Central College Music Professor Dr. Jennifer Judd.

“I decided to attend ECC because of her,” she said. “She’s such a wonderful teacher! When I realized there was an opportunity to continue learning with her at the collegiate level, I took it.”

For Comage, music is more than just a subject to study.

“I love how it makes me feel when I’m playing it or listening to it,” she said. “Nothing else gives me the same euphoric experience.”

She’s now passing on her love for music onto the next generation at the Washington Academy of Music, where she teaches piano lessons to younger students.