Tower-Summer 2019

18 TOWER | SUMMER 2019 and skill won’t mean much if you miss out on your ‘big break’ because trying something newwas intimidating. Saying ‘yes’ to Cirque in 2009 took her around North America on a national tour, to a Norwegian Epic cruise ship with the Blue Man Group, and lately to Japan, performing at United States air bases as part of Armed Forces Entertainment (Cirque Dreams Stars & Stripes). FORGING AHEAD After becoming a member of the first cohort to earn an online master’s degree in music education from Kutztown, Kern is eyeing another KU degree for the future, perhaps this time a Master of Fine Arts in communication design (CD). More than a decade ago, Kern was at an educational crossroads, intending to major in CD, but switching to clarinet right before school began. Recently, an individualized instruction with KU professor Dannell Macllwraith reignited her passion for design, and revealed how crucial photography, typography and Adobe Illustrator can be in cultivating a brand. One thing is certain – there’s a world of possibilities ahead – and it all began with choosing Kutztown. “I absolutely attribute Kutztown, my professors, and my time at the school to succeeding as an independent artist,” Kern declared. “They taught me so much. If I had gone to a different school I’m not sure I would have gotten the one-on-one attention I received. I felt like all of my professors really cared about my future and prepping me for a freelance career – I loved it.” Won agreed, and later recommended she purchase an exquisite vintage Selmer Mark VI saxophone. She did. NewYork City based saxophone repair artist Bill Singer was overhauling the horn for Kern when Sanborn gave it a test run. Then something unbelievable happened. “I was just sitting and drinking a coffee, when he called and asked to purchase the saxophone, because he loved it,” Kern recalled. “After a lot of thinking I agreed, and he graciously agreed to trade his saxophone for mine, and take me on as a student! It’s been a great relationship – he’s sent tickets so I could see him play, and invited me over for lessons – that’s mind blowing to me.” “ I was just sitting and drinking a coffee, when David Sanborn called and asked to purchase my saxophone, because he loved it.” WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, ANSWER According to Kern, it’s imperative to constantly juggle projects – if you don’t get an audition after a callback, or secure a gig, there will be something else to fall back on. She takes her own advice; and is currently in two different wedding bands; records remotely from her home in New Jersey; and is working on a pop music workout cd with a producer in Los Angeles. It isn’t only luck which has landed Kern a multitude of spectacular gigs, including a position on the National Broadway tour of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and as the baritone sax for the major motion picture “Buffaloed” score, composed by MatthewMargeson, of “Rocketman.” When opportunity knocks, she answers, and the response is always ‘yes.’ Versatility