By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart
Some community college transfer students may worry about finding their fit at their four-year colleges and universities — but Sebastian Quarella (LAGS ’23) has proven that it’s all about your mindset. Rather than feeling out of place, Quarella arrived at Hartwick College poised to make an impact. Now in his senior year, the soon-to-be band teacher credits his successes at Hartwick to the place where he first found his community, his academic footing, and his calling to become a music educator: SUNY Broome.
Quarella’s story begins in Greene, New York. As a lively middle child sandwiched between sisters, he was always in search of outlets for his energy. He stumbled upon the diversion of music in fifth grade, when he was invited to join the elementary school chorus. The following year, he was handed a clarinet and became an enthusiastic member of the band’s woodwind section. His musical extracurriculars only expanded as he moved on to high school. Before he knew it, every day of the week was filled with back-to-back rehearsals for jazz band, marching band, and select chorus. While music was clearly his passion, Quarella was hesitant to pursue it as a career.
“I always had a career in music education in the back of my mind, but I was afraid that I wasn’t good enough,” Quarella explained. “So I thought I would just settle on being a really musical social worker who participated in community theater and music groups.”
As a senior at Greene High School, Quarella confined his college search to only SUNYs, ultimately zeroing in on his parents’ alma mater, SUNY Broome, where he could explore his academic options, gain independence, and still affordably live at home. Though he officially enrolled in the Liberal Arts program, he couldn’t help but fill his schedule with electives in Music Theory and Piano. When a friend mentioned in passing that he was changing his program to Music: A.S., Quarella was hit with a pang of lament.
“I was definitely a little jealous,” Quarella reflected. “I thought to myself, ‘If he can do it, maybe I can too.’ I was so wrapped up in the idea that careers in music were based on natural talent, but music is all about putting the work in and consistently practicing your instrument. I was ready and willing to do the work, so why not try?”
Changing programs wasn’t Quarella’s only epiphany in his first year of college. After intentionally easing into his first semester, he had another eye-opening realization: he didn’t know anyone. His routine of simply going from class to home prevented him from finding a community. Something had to change.
“I realized that I needed to use my breaks in between classes to get involved and attend campus events,” Quarella explained. “I joined the A-Z Players and the Student Assembly, and eventually became the Chief of Staff. I was part of the College’s Chamber Singers and the Jazz Band. All of a sudden, I was part of the campus community and had made some of my closest friends.”
Quarella was the first music education student to receive the John Christopher Hartwick (JCH) Scholarship since its inception in 1967.
Quarella dedicated his final semester at SUNY Broome to preparing for music auditions for transfer admission into music education programs. Under the tutelage of instructor Heather J. Worden, he perfected a diverse repertoire. At the suggestion of both faculty and friends, he added Hartwick College to his audition list. Though initially unsure whether private tuition was in the budget, Quarella’s cost-saving transfer credits, coupled with Hartwick’s robust scholarship and grant offerings, made the final cost affordable.
“Hartwick and SUNY Broome have very similar vibes,” Quarella said. “My time at SUNY Broome was the perfect stepping stone to prepare me for Hartwick, both academically and socially.”
Channeling the Broome-instilled value of community, the Hornet jumped into life as a Hawk with full force. He joined the social music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha, spent his J-Term studying abroad in Argentina, and earned a spot on the Dean’s list every semester. In addition to performing in campus ensembles, Quarella was hired by the Music Department as a student social media and public relations ambassador. Deeply passionate about the power of music education, he called upon his SUNY Broome training in student government to serve as the President of Hartwick’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). He even spearheaded a research project to help attract and engage more high-school-aged musicians on the path of music education.
Before long, the name “Sebastian Quarella” echoed across the halls of Hartwick as the transfer student, transferring a big impact. This past spring, he was honored with the John Christopher Hartwick (JCH) Scholarship, the College’s highest distinction bestowed on only six rising seniors. Created to celebrate Hartwick’s best and brightest campus leaders, Quarella was the first music education student to receive the JCH Scholarship since its inception in 1967 — a feat he does not take lightly.
“I was just honored to make it to the interview phase of the scholarship, let alone win,” Quarella beamed. “I’ve had so many amazing educators throughout my life, and I hope to be able to use my degrees from both Broome and Hartwick to inspire my future students with the same encouragement and support.”
As Quarella enters his final year at Hartwick, filled with student-teaching placements, a senior thesis, and musical performances on campus and across the globe, he is deeply thankful for that pivotal semester at SUNY Broome where he found the courage to embrace the music, follow his calling, and empower future generations to do the same.
Inspired by Quarella’s story? Learn more about SUNY Broome and Hartwick’s new 2+2 transfer agreement for Music and Music Education students.
“My time at SUNY Broome was the perfect stepping stone to prepare me for Hartwick, both academically and socially.” (Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers)
Tags: Alumni, Liberal Arts Division, Music AS, Student Activities, Student Assembly, SUNY Broome Foundation
