256 people. 8 art forms. 3 weeks. This is Governor’s School for the Arts.

Junior Serena Hutchens was one of the 256 scholars, attending last summer as a sophomore, which is rare.

Hutchens chose to study instrumental music, and described it as a great experience.

During her time at GSA, Hutchens was fully immersed in her discipline. “It’s really intense,” Hutchens said. “Sometimes we had ‘studio’, or practice time, for up to ten hours a day.”

Hutchens gained valuable knowledge about instrumental music. “I always thought I was naturally musical,” she said. “I immersed myself in the program and learned so much about being musical that I have never even considered before.”

GSA is a commitment, taking hard work and discipline. Even though it is a strenuous three weeks, tight bonds are formed. “I met lifelong friends who share similar interests as me and hold the same values.”

It can be stressful at times, but Hutchens describes the overall GSA environment as “open, welcoming, and vulnerable.”

For any sophomore or junior looking to apply, Hutchens suggests you are to be thorough with your application. Read the paperwork, fine print, and take your audition seriously. “Once you get there,” Serena said, “appreciate all the time you have because the three weeks will fly by.”