Performances + Events
In January, six NEC students attended the Sphinx Organization’s conference — SphinxConnect: Ignite! — in Detroit, along with Monique Van Willingh, NEC’s Director of Cultural Equity and Belonging and Interim Dean of Students and Campus Life. Here, several students share a few words about their experiences at the conference.
Emma Boyd
“I still feel the enthusiasm and its positive effects weeks after SphinxConnect! The excitement and passion among all of the participants was incredible. Although the competition is limited to those of African and Latinx descent, I highly recommend anyone attend! The competition is only a facet of the conference! Days there are full of fascinating panel discussions, master classes, performances, and if you want a break from it all, stepping outside puts you right in the heart of Detroit! It would be a challenge to be bored there. A single hour feels like a week. It’s just something you have to be there for! It’s a beautiful display of what is possible with community, when we embrace each other as people and focus on building toward a brighter future! Anyone could benefit from experiencing Sphinx! I’d highly recommend looking into it, or even checking out the livestreams if you get a chance! It’s incredible!” — Emma Boyd ’25
Oge Okoye
“Attending the Sphinx conference was an incredible and inspiring experience for me. Every session I attended left me feeling more motivated and empowered as an artist. I gained valuable insights about diversity in classical music, career development, and the powers of community. One of the most rewarding aspects was connecting with like-minded individuals, making new friends, and even meeting fellow musicians from my home country. The conference reinforced my passion for music as an instrument for change and has encouraged me to seek out more opportunities for growth and collaboration.” — Oge Okoye ’28
Sydney Scarlett
“My time at SphinxConnect was much different than I thought it’d be. I anticipated a rigid schedule of lectures and panels, and I was surprised by the conference’s highly social aspect. There were a series of interesting talks and events that you could attend at your convenience, but many of the new connections I made were formed in the social dances and get-togethers. Having very little experience in the Sphinx network, I thought I’d be surrounded by strangers. I was pleasantly surprised to see and reconnect with people I’d met at previous summer festivals and even organizations in the Boston area. Overall, the experience was extremely positive. It made me feel and realize a higher connectivity to the people in my industry than ever before.”— Sydney Scarlett ’25
Chasity Thompson
“Attending SphinxConnect 2025 this past January was an incredibly inspiring and affirming experience. As a classical clarinetist and a woman of color pursuing a career in music, being surrounded by a community of BIPOC musicians, industry leaders, and advocates was both empowering and motivating. Another highlight was reconnecting with colleagues and mentors from past summer programs or online, as well as meeting potential collaborators for future projects. Leaving SphinxConnect, I felt energized and deeply grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community. The experience strengthened my commitment to my artistry.” — Chasity Thompson ’25 MM
