Beyond the Classroom: Sadie Habas (CFA’25)

Vocal performance major Sadie Habas participated in the Longy School of Music Divergent Studio’s summer festival for performers and composers of contemporary music

Boston University vocal performance major Sadie Habas (CFA'25) wearing a vibrant, colorful, striped knit top poses against a white brick wall. She looks over her shoulder with a playful smile and bright red lipstick. Her wavy hair cascades loosely as she leans slightly to one side. The cheerful colors of her outfit contrast beautifully with the minimalist background, creating a lively and energetic portrait.
CFA Students

Six recitals, ten days: Participating in the Longy School of Music Divergent Studio

In CFA’s Beyond the Classroom Series, music, theatre, and visual arts students at BU share their professional work experiences. These Terriers express how the resources at BU prepared them for success beyond the classroom.

February 27, 2025
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Beyond the Classroom: Sadie Habas (CFA’25)

Learning contemporary artistic techniques from professional ensembles, rehearsing new music, attending lectures on topics like grant writing and composition, and performing recitals dedicated to notable composers is what the summer of 2024 looked like for Sadie Habas (CFA’25).

The vocal performance undergraduate student, who studies under BU Associate Professor and Chair of Voice Lynn Eustis, and political science minor was a student performer/vocalist at the Longy School of Music Divergent Studio in Cambridge, MA. Each summer, the studio offers a 13-day immersive new music experience for performers and composers of contemporary music.

Sadie recently spoke with CFA about her growth through this summer festival, which she was able to participate in through the Clare Hodgson Meeker Endowed Fellowship offered through BU School of Music, and how she feels empowered to take on new opportunities while simultaneously working in political advocacy for the arts.

Q&A

WITH SADIE HABAS (CFA’25)

CFA: What was your role at the Longy School of Music Divergent Studio?

Sadie: As a student performer/vocalist, my responsibilities included learning, rehearsing, and coaching repertoire for six recitals of new music across the span of ten days. I was one of three vocalists at the festival and collaborated with other student performers, mainly instrumentalists, and student composers.

I also worked with resident composers at the program: Chen Yi and Marti Epstein, and resident ensemble Loadbang, a New York-based professional ensemble for baritone, clarinet, trombone, and trumpet. Additionally, throughout the week, I attended lectures and recitals put on by Loadbang and the resident composers.

Two women are in a music rehearsal room. One is seated at a grand piano, focused on playing from sheet music, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders. The other stands beside a music stand labeled "Sadie," singing and gesturing expressively. The room is softly lit with framed pictures on the neutral-colored walls and a window with wooden shutters in the background, creating an intimate, creative atmosphere.
A vocalist performs on stage next to a Steinway & Sons grand piano, with a pianist accompanying in the background. The singer wears a light green floral dress and stands confidently behind a music stand, her expression engaged and emotive. The wooden paneling and warm lighting of the concert hall provide an elegant and intimate backdrop, enhancing the recital atmosphere.

CFA: How did you learn about this opportunity, and what steps did you take to secure it?

Sadie: I learned about this career opportunity through my good friend and wonderful vocalist Marie Johnson, who completed the program the summer before me. We sang together in the San Francisco Girls Chorus and both share a deep love and passion for contemporary music. I applied for the program through the Divergent Studio portal with four recorded videos that I prepared with my applied pianist. In March of 2024, I heard back from Divergent and received repertoire to begin preparing in May of 2024.

CFA: What are some of your accomplishments from your time with Divergent Studio?

Sadie: I learned extensively about contemporary artistic techniques through coaching from Loadbang who hosted the Divergent Studio. I performed in numerous recitals, including a recital dedicated to Composer Chen Yi, where I performed her set Meditation for voice and piano; a recital for Composer Marti Epstein; and a “Speed” recital where I performed two works by student composers that were written over the course of a few days. I was fortunate to perform a World Premiere by Marti Epstein: Hadye, for voice, cello, and clarinet, with one of the Loadbang musicians.

I attended lectures on interesting topics such as grant writing, composition, and new music in Latin America, given by Loadbang musicians and Composers Marti Epstein and Chen Yi. Attending the Divergent Studio was a deeply enriching experience that pushed me to enhance my artistry as an aspiring professional singer of contemporary works.

A musical ensemble performing on stage, featuring four musicians. From left to right: a violist in a long black dress, a cellist seated and playing, a clarinetist wearing a light shirt and shorts, and a soprano vocalist in a vibrant red dress. They are positioned in front of music stands, and the stage is illuminated with soft, warm lighting, creating an elegant and focused atmosphere.
Composer Chen Yi and Boston University vocal performance major Sadie Habas (CFA'25) standing together and smiling warmly for the camera in a concert hall. On the left, Chen Yi with short black hair wearing a dark striped shirt. On the right, Sadie Habas with curly hair in a green dress with white polka dots, wearing silver heels. They are surrounded by rows of chairs and the wooden-paneled backdrop of a music performance venue.

CFA: Did any resources at CFA or BU help you prepare for success?

Sadie: I believe my training in weekly lessons with my voice teacher Dr. Lynn Eustis prepared me for success at the Divergent Studio. Dr. E rallies for each of her students’ individualized niches in their repertoire, and I feel that her support of my new music aspirations and push for me to be the best musician possible prepared me for this challenging and rewarding program.

CFA: How did the coursework at CFA connect with this experience?

Sadie: My voice lessons (CFA ML 507) and build of my technique throughout spring 2024 before my Junior Voice Recital connected with my readiness for this experience. As I prepared a 30 minute recital of works, I simultaneously prepared for the Divergent Studio the summer to follow.

Boston University vocal performance major Sadie Habas (CFA'25) wearing a vibrant, striped knit sweater looks thoughtfully at the camera with a soft, relaxed expression. She stands in a softly lit room with sunlight streaming through a high window, creating a gentle glow around her face. Her curly hair cascades over her shoulders, and she wears hoop earrings. The serene, airy ambiance adds a contemplative mood to the portrait.

“Attending the Divergent Studio was a deeply enriching experience that pushed me to enhance my artistry as an aspiring professional singer of contemporary works.”

CFA: In what ways do you think this opportunity has helped you prepare for your work beyond BU?

Sadie: At Divergent, I learned about the new music ecosystem in the US and made invaluable connections with student performers and composers that I believe will enhance future collaborations performing new music in ensemble and solo settings. Also, Divergent inspired me to learn and select more contemporary repertoire to study, especially before potentially starting a graduate program.

CFA: What did you learn about yourself?

Sadie: I learned that it is important to trust myself in musical settings that are different from what I am used to such as working with predominantly instrumentalists and performing unique repertoire. When I accept that I can do it, I can accomplish much!

CFA: Any advice for current CFA students beginning to look into professional engagements outside of school?

Sadie: Ask questions, trust the process, and work hard!

CFA: What’s next for you, Sadie?

Sadie: Upon graduation in May of 2025, I plan on attending graduate school for either Vocal Performance or Public Policy while simultaneously working in political advocacy for the arts!

CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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Internships & Career Resources

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