Class of 2019 graduate Trevor Ainge has had an extra-productive senior year at the University of Washington. On top of his voice studies with Dr. Kari Ragan, Ainge was instrumental to the the success of the Vocal Theatre Works April production of Philip Glass's Hydrogen Jukebox, for which he was a cast member, publicity director, and grant writer—his efforts secured a $6,000 grant from the Campus Sustainability Fund that provided critical financial support for the production.
Ainge also traveled to China over spring break this past year with the UW Wind Ensemble, performing vocal solos with the ensemble at tour stops in Chengdu, Xi'an, and Beijing, China. We caught up with this multi-dimensional UW student earlier this year for a brief interview about his time at the University of Washington and why he chose the UW for his undergraduate studies.
Name: Trevor Ainge
Degree Program: BM in Vocal Performance; BS in Communication Disorders
Hometown: Irvine, CA
What is your favorite UW musical moment or memory?
My favorite musical memory is our 2015 production of Cavalli's La Calisto, in which I sang the role of Linfea, a prudish nymph. Playing such a comic role was out of my wheelhouse, and I learned a great deal.
Why did you choose UW?
I was very impressed by the interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts and sciences at the University of Washington.
Who is your favorite UW Music faculty member and why?
My favorite faculty member at the UW is my studio teacher, Dr. Kari Ragan. She is always supportive, encouraging, and pushes me to find deeper levels of artistry in everything I do.
Why Seattle?
Every time I step outside my door I feel like I am on an adventure. I am continually finding new facets to this city- it truly is a gem.
What are your plans after graduation?
After a development year, I plan to attend graduate school to become a Speech Language Pathologist with the end goal of working with clients to rehabilitate voice injuries. I would like to work with injured singers. I also plan to continue performing, of course.
What is a fun fact about you, or something not everyone knows about you?
I run a small business creating organic textiles. Basically, I run a vertically integrated textile mill out of my apartment. I process raw fleece, spin the clean wool into yarn, dye the spun yarn with organic dyestuffs, and weave the finished yarns into textiles. I do my best to source all wool and dyestuffs from the Pacific Northwest, and pride myself on sustainable practices.
What is your favorite way to relax when not practicing or studying?
I really enjoy baking brioche à tête. The loaves are so charming and make for a great brunch treat with friends.
What is the most amazing musical discovery you’ve made so far at UW?
I remember when I first stumbled upon Grieg Garden. Such a quiet retreat in the heart of campus is a treasure.
Trevor Ainge was a recipient of the Hans Wolf Fellows Award, granted to fourth-year seniors at the School of Music.