When Alyssa Ostrowski ’23 started at UNH she thought she wanted a career teaching music. But after her first semester, she realized that she wanted more time to focus on her instruments, drums and other percussion. She also added a minor in art.
The music program is what drew Ostrowski to UNH. In high school, she became acquainted with the UNH 3 O’Clock Jazz Band when they performed in the annual Clark Terry Jazz Festival.
“Hearing the 3 O’Clock group play with famous guest artists was eye-opening for me,” she says. “And combined with the financial aid, convenient location and wonderful faculty, UNH was the ideal choice.”
Part of that financial aid came in the form of a four-year music scholarship and a Dean’s Scholarship, both of which have helped reduce the Maine resident’s student debt. Ostrowski also received the Tommy Gallant Scholarship her sophomore, junior and senior years. This year she was awarded the Presser Award, which is available to seniors majoring in music.
“I love the music department because it is a community of hardworking musicians who, instead of competing against each other, support each other and push each other to be better players and better leaders,” Ostrowski says. “I am so proud to witness the growth that my friends have made overall since freshman year, and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.”
One of her favorite experiences came last fall when the UNH Wind Symphony recorded an entire album of UNH alumna Erika Svanoe’s band music. “It was so cool to work with the composer directly,” Ostrowski says.
Working with resident artist Les Harris Jr. has also been a highlight of Ostrowski’s UNH education. “He has been quite impactful to my growth as a musician as he has expanded my horizons as a drummer,” she says. “His lessons are one of the highlights of my week, and I am so grateful to have had the support from him and the rest of the jazz faculty since I arrived here.”
