Sam Mayo-Tinoco
Degree: B.M. in Music with a Concentration in Choral Music Education
Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Monroe, NC
How did you first get interested in music?
I graduated from Sun Valley High School, and I took two semesters of Choir between my junior and senior year with an amazing teacher, Aj Calpo. Seeing him bring people of different backgrounds and cultures really inspired me to want to do the same! I have really enjoyed how music brings people from around the world together. I want to continue sharing that experience with the upcoming generations of students!
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I hope to be the best educator for myself and my students! My goal is to incorporate everyday communication and work skills into my classroom through music. I want my students to be the best people they can be for themselves and others!
As far of a reach as it is, I hope to teach higher education someday and give to the community that keeps me going everyday.
What is your favorite thing about the Department of Music?
I absolutely love specifically ensemble/group oriented projects and performances, that it pushes us to work and communicate with others way further than other subjects like math, science, etc. It establishes a great community where we have to work, listen, and communicate with one another. It is such a beautiful thing when people who are so different from one another, yet fueled by the same passion can work together to reach the same goal.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts/design community?
I sing with the Charlotte Master Chorale every Tuesday and perform with the group regularly. It is a pleasure and honor to perform with such an outstanding professional group which offers me so many more opportunities to network, connect, perform and grow as a performer. I also help out churches in need of singers for their services every Wednesday and Sunday which allows me to connect deeply with the Charlotte community!
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I love to spend my time drawing, taking a road trip in the mountains or occasionally the beach! Getting to slow down and take in the world around me really helps me to slow down and relax especially in the heat of being a music major. I also enjoy working at my local café Hilltop Coffee where I can meet and make coffees for the wonderful community around the Mallard Creek and University Blvd area!