Sage Kushner
Class of 2024
Jazz Choir • Concert Choir • Rock Band
The George Washington University
Marketing and Music
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For Sage Kushner, San Marin Performing Arts was where a love of jazz singing became a lasting passion. The musical foundation, friendships, and confidence she built at San Marin continue to shape her college experience and her growing interest in the music industry.
After graduating from San Marin, Sage moved to Washington, D.C., to attend The George Washington University, where she is double majoring in Marketing and Music. She remains deeply involved in the performing arts and now serves as Co-President of her university’s jazz choir.
Career HighlightsSage has already begun combining her interests in music and marketing through several professional experiences in the music industry. A major highlight was serving as a Marketing Strategy Intern at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
She also recently performed with her university jazz choir at Blues Alley Jazz Club in Washington, D.C.—the oldest continuously operating jazz supper club in the United States.
“It was a fantastic experience.”
“I can’t imagine where my life would be without my love for singing jazz, which is a passion I discovered and got to fully lean into at San Marin.”
Reflection & AdviceSage credits San Marin Performing Arts with preparing her for college-level music courses and helping her discover a passion that continues to guide her.
“I can’t imagine where my life would be without my love for singing jazz, which is a passion I discovered and got to fully lean into at San Marin.”
She especially credits Emily Gates for the knowledge, encouragement, and mentorship she received throughout high school.
“Mrs. Gates is an amazing mentor, teacher, singer, and friend. Any high school student would be lucky to learn from her. Her talent, patience, and love for music are part of what has allowed the San Marin Music Program to thrive for so many years.”
Sage also values the friendships she formed through Jazz Choir and Rock Band, along with the experiences that extended far beyond the classroom.
Among her favorite memories was the music department trip to Disneyland, where students explored the park and participated in a private vocal workshop with a well-known voice actor. She also remembers a late-night rehearsal with her rock band, Joystick Failure, when the group gathered in the darkened band room and simply enjoyed making music together.
Looking back on four years of rehearsals, concerts, and jazz festivals, Sage says the program gave students opportunities they would not have found anywhere else.
Her advice to current students is to protect the joy that first drew them to music.
“Especially for those studying music in college, it can be easy to start viewing your instrument as a chore and lose your love for it. Spend time away from practicing and just play or sing something you love. That habit has helped me stay involved in music without getting burned out.”
