Chris Ramos knew from a young age that he wanted to be a conductor. And soon, it will finally happen. Shortly after he graduates The Hartt School with a doctoral degree in instrumental conducting, Ramos will start the position of director of bands at Utah Valley University.
The experience at Hartt and its nurturing environment played pivotal roles for Ramos. As he says, “My learning at Hartt has been hands-on; this is the only way to learn how to be an artist.” At the University, Ramos found that his professors often shared their podiums with him, humbly sharing the stage. Peers and friends were encouraging of his growth, even when he made mistakes. And they were patient, as “day after day we continued to make music, and I think this is the key--we keep playing no matter what challenges we face.”
In addition to his pursuits in instrumental music, Ramos found that Hartt was supportive of his additional academic work, “encouraging me to present abroad, and offering me opportunities to teach in an adjunct capacity.” This all formed an impressive foundation—in the form of a CV—where “everything on paper comes to life,” helping Ramos to get noticed for future professional opportunities.
Gratitude is a theme of his experience at Hartt, and the success that it has brought him. “I am deeply aware that I would not have this job without the community here that made getting it possible, and I am deeply grateful to my teachers and colleagues,” Ramos says. His professors were his champions, rooting for him, as they “pushed me to be able to do more and better than I first could dream for myself. Their dreams for me were bigger than mine, and they not only helped me to see that potential, but they also led me there.”
One of those professors was Glen Adsit, who is also director of bands at The Hartt School. As Ramos says, “I owe not just this job I have been granted, but everything I accomplish going forward to his teaching and guidance.” In turn, Adist mirrors his praise, saying “Chris has been an extraordinary student, and it is no surprise that he landed a great job. It has been nothing short of joyous to teach him these past three years, and I often leave our rehearsals and classes wiser due to my interactions with him.”
Ultimately, in addition to his own talents, the experience and opportunities forged at Hartt propelled Ramos forward to turn his childhood dream into a reality. In addition to the guidance and encouragement from faculty, meeting and working with Hartt’s internationally renowned guest artists and composers helped create a web of connections for Ramos. On reflecting back on the Hartt experience, Ramos says that it has been “busy, challenging, and always rewarding. To share the stage with my teachers and colleagues time after time has been such a joy.”
Chris Ramos '23, The Hartt SchoolI am deeply aware that I would not have this job without the community here that made getting it possible, and I am deeply grateful to my teachers and colleagues. They pushed me to be able to do more and better than I first could dream for myself. Their dreams for me were bigger than mine, and they not only helped me to see that potential, but they also led me there.