Jesse D. Forbes ’15, ’19 chose Shenandoah because he wanted to attend a conservatory to study music. After visiting campus, he knew the university was the right place for him because he got along well with the music therapy and guitar professors. “The professors at Shenandoah truly care about their students and will do everything they can to help you succeed,” said Jesse.
Forbes’ fondest memory of Shenandoah was being a musician in the baccalaureate service, and collectively singing “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield with the fellow members of his graduating class.
Forbes is the music director of in Purcellville, Virginia. Arts for All Loudoun is a program that provides musical theater and visual arts experiences for children, adolescents and adults with and without disabilities. “As music director, my job is to teach music to the cast and to assemble a pit band to accompany the show,” said Forbes.
The most rewarding part of his career is helping others accomplish difficult feats through music, and observing positive changes in clients as a result of music therapy sessions.
Forbes fully believes that his education from Shenandoah prepared him for the music therapy field. He was able to apply the knowledge he learned in class to his practicum courses and he received hands-on experience in his internship.
Forbes’ advice to students is: “Be willing to be flexible with your career, and gain experience working with every population that you can.”