Student Performance Week Project by Barricklo ’21 Approved for Use in NICU at Winchester Medical Center

NICU Lullabies and Poems, a ShenCoLAB project by Jenna Barricklo ’21 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre), was approved for use in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) at Winchester Medical Center. The project used the conservatory’s recording studio during Student Performance Week last November to record 12 songs and 9 poems, culminating in “Sweet Dreams Baby,” an album designed to help babies receive care while in NICU.

Following Student Performance Week, Barricklo presented her project to the Parent Advisory Council at the NICU in Winchester Medical Center. After three months of review, the project passed all levels of evaluation by the neonatologists and practice council. Barricklo is currently working to market and release the album for use in the hospital and will be up and running at the NICU in Winchester Medical Center by the end of the academic year.

“This has been a lifelong dream of mine, and it would not have been possible without the support of the conservatory. I’m really in awe of the opportunity I was given, and I can’t express my gratitude enough.” – Barricklo

Barricklo’s project is an example of Shenandoah Conservatory’s devotion to innovative practice and collaboration through initiatives such as Student Performance Week. The groundbreaking program was held from Nov. 27, through Dec. 1, on Shenandoah’s main campus. The conservatory turned over programming and facilities to its students for a week of unbridled exploration, collaboration and creativity. Students worked across disciplines on self-directed, time-limited projects fueled by their own passion, drive and curiosity. The week culminated on Saturday, Dec. 1, with a daylong Festival of Arts, Ideas and Exploration featuring a wide variety of exciting, innovative and provocative performances, presentations and other special events.