CLASS OF 2020: Featuring Jacob Levine. Creative! Committed! Courageous!
Jacob, pictured above. Photo courtesy of Jacob Levine.
Student Interviews on the Impact of the Arts
The Burbank Arts for All Foundation is proud to highlight students in the CLASS OF 2020 who have been part of the robust arts community in Burbank Unified School District classrooms. We hope you enjoy reading about their experiences and getting to know them as we celebrate an important milestone in their lives: high school graduation.
Today, we present to you Jacob Levine, who performed in the award-winning show choir, Powerhouse, while studying at John Burroughs High School. He will be studying Astrophysics at UCLA this Fall and while there, Jacob expects to audition for an a cappella group so he can continue performing. Congratulations Jacob!
My name is Jacob Levine, and I am 18 years old. I have been part of the show choir, Powerhouse, while studying at John Burroughs High School.
“If you think you might be interested in something, then you should try it. We live in a very supportive community, where everyone is encouraged to express themselves and shine in their own way, so at Burbank schools, you will be able to fit in wherever you want to go.”
What was your first experience with the arts while in the Burbank Unified Schools? I’ve been having experiences in the arts since the beginning of elementary school at McKinley, through various artistic outlets such as learning the recorder, participating in the Variety Show and the McKinley Arts Project, learning dances in the spring, and music lessons with Mr. Tam.
What art experience in the schools are you most proud of and how did it impact you? I am most proud of how I have grown as a performer during my time at Burroughs, whether it be in singing, dancing, acting, or just overall confidence. It has made me more socially adept and it has helped me to build valuable lasting friendships.
What advice do you have for younger students interested in doing something like what you do? If you think you might be interested in something, then you should try it. We live in a very supportive community, where everyone is encouraged to express themselves and shine in their own way, so at Burbank schools, you will be able to fit in wherever you want to go.
Please share your plans for your future after graduation. Are you going on to college? If so, where and what do you hope to study?
I am going to UCLA to study Astrophysics. I also expect to audition for an a cappella group at UCLA so I can continue performing.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you expect the arts to continue to play a role in your life and if so, how? I will always carry with me the skills and knowledge about music that I have gained during my time in the choir. While it will not constitute a career for me, I will always enjoy singing, playing the piano, or writing music as a hobby.
You can enjoy some of Jacob’s stellar performances HERE.