How has music affected your life during high school years? By: Zoe Blackwell-Allen My name is Zoe Blackwell-Allen, and I am a senior at the Baltimore School for the Arts. For the past eight years, I have played the double bass, and music has shaped who I am in every way. I first fell in love with the instrument in fourth grade after seeing Esperanza Spalding perform at the White House. She looked like me, and in that moment, I realized I could belong in a space where I had rarely seen Black women represented. That inspiration has stayed with me, especially as I continue to grow in a field that is still male-dominated. It made me realize I had to make a change. Throughout high school, music has been a part of my everyday life. I perform in orchestra, chamber ensemble, and big band, I am in a band outside of school, and I also create my own music. I have studied music theory and literature for the past three years and I also take solo classical bass lessons and jazz lesson out of school, I released my first single, and I am currently working on my first album that is coming out in June! Music has taught me discipline and pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone. It has also given me the confidence to speak up for myself and go after opportunities, even when they feel intimidating. Music has also given me a strong sense of community. The friendships I’ve built through music feel like family, and I’ve learned how to connect with people from different backgrounds, both locally and around the world. Through performing, I’ve had amazing opportunities, like playing with the Peabody Jazz Combo, and I’ve learned how to work with others and make a positive impact. Music has been there for me during both the happiest and most challenging moments of my life. Because of music, I have been accepted into Berklee College of Music, where I plan to study music production and engineering along with jazz performance. I admire Berklee’s diversity, supportive environment, and strong musical community. I also love how enthusiastic the teachers are at Berklee! Looking back, music has helped me find myself, taught me discipline, and opened doors I never imagined. Ever since fourth grade, I knew music would be my life, and now I’m excited to continue that journey into the future.

By: Zoe Blackwell-Allen My name is Zoe Blackwell-Allen. I live in Baltimore, Maryland. I have been playing the double bass for eight years. I am a senior at The Baltimore School for the Arts. I play in the orchestra and chamber, and this year I joined the big band ensemble. I have studied music theory and music literature for the past three years. I first started playing the double bass because my mom showed me a video of Esperanza Spalding playing for President Obama at the White House. I wanted to start playing because she looked like me. I had never seen a black woman playing double bass before. As I got older as a musician, I still do not see female double bass players of color. I later did research on Esperanza Spalding and discovered that she attended the Berklee College of Music. I was recently accepted to Berklee College of Music to study Music Production, Engineering and Jazz Performance. I am scheduled to start this upcoming Fall 2026. I am so excited and I absolutely love the Berklee College of Music. I attended the Berklee ASPIRE program two summers in a row. I was able to meet the professors who really seemed like they loved what they did and strive to help students. I also love the school’s positive history in developing top level performers. I have recently released my first single which I wrote and produced entitled FAKE. It is available on all platforms. I plan to release my first album in June 2026. My goal is to give back to my community and to inspire the next generation of musicians. As a little girl seeing Esperanza Spalding perform for the Obamas, I truly realized how much representations matter. I plan on learning techniques and collaborating with other musicians to create positive music that will impact the worId. I am currently working with a classmate who is a sophomore. I am trying to be a positive influence on her. She is a female vocalist of color. I meet with her two times a week after school and share everything that I have learned about music production and engineering. Also, through playing the double bass and studying music theory I believe I have a lot that I can offer to her. We have been able to record two songs together and I am encouraging her to release them publicly and perform them live. Since music is a male dominated profession, I believe that it is important for women to work together, share what they know and to continue to support one another in a positive way. I look forward to my future and what is ahead at the Berklee College of Music. Thank you.