MPAC catches up with recent graduate and Spirit of Pops award winner Seraphina Provenzano (Pops Class of 2019) in Madison, Wisconsin. Find out what she’s been up to!
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MPAC: Seraphina, what are you doing at the University of Wisconsin right now?
SP: I’m currently a graduate student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program! I’ve got two semesters under my belt, and my first clinical rotation starts this January. As a physical therapy student, I volunteer for Ballroom Basics for Balance, which is a beginning dance class for older adults looking to improve their fall risk. It’s a blast (even though I can’t dance!). I’m also very interested in research, and I’ve continued my biomechanics research experience from the University of Michigan by working as a research assistant in UW-Madison’s Badger Athletic Performance Laboratory. I hope to work in clinical research and rehabilitation someday, specifically in gait analysis and orthopedics.
MPAC: Are you involved with any musical groups?
SP: After my last concert as principal bassist in Pops, I played a concert in my hometown in Michigan with the Midland Community Orchestra (which is directed by my very talented mother, Gina Provenzano!). Although my bass did not make the move out to Wisconsin with me, I am a regular to Madison’s local music scene with my guitar. I am a fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter, and I play gigs as much as possible!
I’ve played coffeeshops, folk venues, and summer festivals so far, and it looks like the new year will bring even more opportunities (find me and my music on Facebook and YouTube!). Madison is a great place to be a musician, but I will always be grateful to Ann Arbor, The Ark - Ann Arbor, and Pops small ensembles concerts for giving me my start!
MPAC: What are you doing for fun in the Badger State?
SP: School and music keeps me busy most of the time, but it’s easy to find fun things to do Madison, Wisconsin! My summer hangout was the Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota for food, music, and sunsets. I highly recommend Babcock Dairy ice cream, and the best view of the city is from the observation deck of the Capitol. Don’t forget to try some cheese curds if you’re ever around, and never wear a Michigan Wolverines hat on a Michigan v. Wisconsin football Saturday! That’s all for me — Pops Love!