Samuel Gerardi has been enamored with music ever since his first Wiggles concert at age 2. Born in Arlington, Virginia, he began learning piano in kindergarten, by which point his family was already stationed overseas. Living in countries with far different musical culture than America like Bangladesh impacted and invigorated Sam’s passion for music. As he grew older, Sam finagled his way around several additional instruments, including viola, guitar, harmonica, ukulele, and singing. Throughout his youth, Sam played in regional orchestras, jazz bands, and sang in both musicals and regional choirs. The many environments in which Sam encountered and participated in music would all become vital as he discovered his passion for composition in high school. He began to compose not only for himself, but for various student films, which went to local and national festivals, such as the All American High School Film Festival. At UVA, Sam continues to be immersed in music, involving himself in the Music Department’s courses for traditional and electronic composition, taking private viola lessons with Professor Ayn Balija, singing with the University Singers, and participating in musical productions by groups on Grounds like Spectrum Theatre. After taking a writing workshop, Sam also discovered a newfound passion for writing poetry, now often writing both for fun and for use in his compositions. He is currently a Music/Biology double major, and spends his free time cooking, fencing, and wishing he could safely do jiu-jitsu again. Sam is honored to be a Miller Arts Scholar, and can’t wait to collaborate with other Scholars and grow as a composer through his time in the program.