Congratulations to all of the recent high school graduates in the WCMS community! We’re glad that they will bring the benefits and lessons learned through their music study into their next chapter of life, no matter where they go and what they do next. Three of them—Louie Bottari, Olivia Morales, and Angela Burton—shared some thoughts with us about what studying music at WCMS has meant to them.

Louie Bottari

Louis Bottari has studied piano with Yoshiko Kline and guitar with Ben Bourgeois, and has also participated in youth rock bands at WCMS.

When asked what his music study has meant to him, Louie responded, “Music is a place of creativity and comfort, where I can let my mind run free, with endless combinations of chords and rhythms.”

We’re so glad that music can provide that place of comfort and joy, and we wish Louie the best of luck on his journey after high school!

Olivia Morales

Olivia Morales has studied music theory at WCMS with Vartan Aghababian for several years, and she is a gifted singer who has participated in both Senior District and All-State choir.

When asked what her music studies have meant to her, Olivia responded: “Even my earliest memories are filled with music. Studying music has helped deepen not just my love and connection to music, but also my understanding and appreciation of its many aspects. It has involved mastering techniques and theory, but also exploring the rich tapestry of different forms, genres, cultures, and historical contexts that music encompasses. It has become a thread weaving through the various aspects of myself: performer, writer, teammate, teacher. I’m grateful for the foundation I’ve built and look forward to seeing where my journey with music takes me throughout my life.”

Olivia is headed to college in the fall, where she hopes to major in music and humanities. Best of luck in your next chapter, Olivia!

Angela Burton

Angela Burton has been studying percussion with Sylvie Zakarian, and can always be counted on to be a smiling face in the hallways of WCMS as well as a kind supporter of her fellow students.

When asked what her music studies have meant to her, Olivia responded, “I just graduated from Woburn Memorial High School, and have been taking percussion lessons with Ms. Sylvie for almost two years. Studying music at WCMS has meant a lot to me because it helped me build up my skills for performing in the Woburn Memorial High School Bands. My favorite concert I played in at WCMS last year was at Music MAYnia!”

We’re so glad that music has brought so much joy and learning to your life, Angela, and we can’t wait to see what you go on to accomplish in your next chapter!