Senior Grey Warren’s Capstone — student-led and created — project combines the technological elements of music with the creative process; in short, Warren is recording an album.
Warren’s passion for music dates back to kindergarten when he first started learning to play guitar. He believes this interest in music has “always [been] there” for him, making Emery’s music program a huge selling point to Warren when first considering where to attend middle school. Since making the decision to attend Emery, Warren has explored the many facets the music program offers, feeling he has “grown so much” through his experiences. But going into his senior year, Warren found there was no fourth year truly offered for the upper school program; Emery offers Instrumental Ensemble I, Instrumental Ensemble II, and Instrumental Improvisation, but no official fourth and final course. This absence partially inspired Grey’s capstone — a chance for him to still explore music even without an official class.
As part of his project, Warren already released a single entitled “Now On To Dreams,” which he began working on a few years ago and officially put out last semester. He explains that the song has “changed and grown as [his] high school experience has,” with most everything being inspired by “someone or something from high school.” He expressed his excitement for seeing his music across various streaming platforms, describing it as “cool and crazy.” He aims to release another this semester, as well as recording a full album.
This album will feature more than just Warren though. In an email to the Emery/Weiner student body, Warren asked his fellow students (and even interested faculty) to feature on the album, showcasing their talents through his recording and production. He hopes by recording this compilation album and teaching about the recording process more students will feel emboldened to understand and use the equipment Emery offers.
Warren believes it is this equipment, the faculty, and the program overall which have really given him the chance to explore his passion and thus his Capstone. He answered a resounding “yes” when asked both if the program fostered creativity and independence and if it has allowed him the chance to explore his interests.
He says, “I fully believe I would not be who I am today without the program, further stating, “The freedom we get [in the program] … is such an empowering thing, and I greatly appreciate it.” It is these freedoms, such as the self-paced curriculum and the ease and accessibility of joining a band, that make Emery’s program special and allow students like Warren to grow and create.
As the semester continues, Warren is looking forward to recording the student musicians interested in having a place on the album and feels “incredibly thankful” for those who have already signed up. The album as well as Warren’s more personal singles pay homage to both Warren’s dedication and passion and the environment Emery’s music program fosters. His project is a testament to utilizing the resources available to students and exploring the ways those tools inspire creativity and opportunity and a testament to what one can achieve when following through with a passion.
To follow Warren’s progress and listen to his single, look for Grey Warren on Spotify and Apple Music!
