UB Outstanding Senior Q&A

Published July 12, 2024

Annually, every department within the UB College of Arts and Sciences chooses a graduating senior as an Outstanding Senior who displayed remarkable dedication and potential throughout their academic journey. These individuals have stood out among their peers, encouraging others with their excellence in both their scholarly pursuits and personal endeavors. Robin Schulze, dean of the College honored the distinguished 2024 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Seniors during a reception on April 30.

Madison (Matt) Reimer is the 2024 Outstanding Senior for the Department of Music. Reimer graduated summa cum laude in May with a Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance and is the recipient of the Baird Opera Scholarship. She is a student ambassador for the College as well as the vice president for the UB Musicians Club. In the fall, Reimer will continue her higher education experience at UB by pursuing a master's degree in music.

Reimer sang “Vogel Im Käfig by Hiroyuki Sawano” at the 2024 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Seniors Ceremony with instrumentals by with Michael Chung, Reggies Guo and Tajai Shorter.

Q: How did you get into music and performing?
A: I started off in band in middle school, but it wasn’t until a friend organized a talent show in seventh grade that I started singing. She asked me to participate and for some reason I didn’t want to play my flute, but decided to sing instead. Everyone loved it! That’s when I realized I could pursue music more seriously and started joining choirs and doing musicals.

Q: Why did you choose to attend UB?
A: During my audition, I felt a real connection with the music department. I could tell that they were committed to making change and want to see the arts become an integral part of UB.

Q: What is your favorite part about performing?
A: When I’m performing, it’s like everything leaves my brain and I feel the music so deeply I start relating to and understanding it on a whole new level. The adrenaline rush is really crazy! I also really enjoy performing with others. There’s a very special bond that forms between people who dedicate a lot of time to learning one piece of music.

Q: How were you chosen to perform at the Outstanding Senior Ceremony?
A: It is a tradition to have the outstanding senior from the music department perform. I think it’s a little unorthodox to have a small chamber group, but Vogel Im Kafig was a big passion project for me and it was quite the honor to share our group’s hard work with everyone, especially on the Slee stage!

Q: What do you like best about your major/department?
A: Classes are smaller and more personal, so getting an education really geared towards your learning style and seeking help when necessary are really core values of the department.

Q: What do you want to do after you complete your master’s degree in music at UB?
A: I’m considering going for my doctorate, but I’m not 100% sure yet. My goal has always been to find a way to be able to perform regularly. There are a lot of performance opportunities in the world, so as I continue to grow my education I keep an open mind. I’m looking to focus on contemporary music, so Buffalo is a really great place to be!