By Erin Furman

“I’m a very big dessert person… I love my chocolate.” Jared Berry, a 21-year-old junior music education major from Limbrick, Long Island, prefers to spend the little bit of free time he has with his friends, scoping out dessert-type restaurants and trying new things.

On campus, Berry is the president of the National Association of Music Educators, a group that hosts an annual faculty benefit concert to benefit local schools in need. The concerts are generally held during the first week of October, and past benefees include schools in Hemstead, Westbury and Wantagh.

As the president of the American Choral Director’s Association, a professional networking group, he works to “enlighten members to new reperatoirs.” The group hosts an annual Hofstra Vocal Arts Day (shortened to “H-VAD”) in which students from the tri-state area are invited to perform and participate in a master vocal training session with University voice teacher.

Music is a key part of Berry’s college experience. A singer in Chorale, Chamber Singers and the lead role in several operas, he is looking into master’s programs for choral conducting.

Off-campus, Berry sings in the men’s choir at the Cathedral of Incarnation in Garden City. During the summer, he is the choral ensemble manager at the Interlochen Arts Camp in Mich.

In addition to his musical activities, Berry works several jobs on campus. He is a student aide in the music department office, tour guide for the Admissions department and tutor in music theory, piano and ear-training.

Above all, Berry “enjoys trying new things.” A highlight of his freshman year? Vacation with friends in Disneyworld.