Jennifer Carcillo, a classically trained violinist and actress from Shreveport, accepted an invitation to become a voting member of the Recording Academy, which annually presents the Grammy Music Awards.
The Recording Academy is recognized as the world’s leading professional music association.
“I never thought I’d be able to become a member of the Recording Academy, much less a voting member,” she said. “That means I’ll be able to nominate and vote for Grammy nominees. That’s a big deal for me. I’m very excited. It’s a great privilege and honor to be able to have an impact on the music industry.”
“I am thrilled to be part of such an esteemed organization that is so committed to music education and nurturing the next generation of music creators and performers.
“As part of the Recording Academy, I look forward to being an active participant in the mission to make the music industry better for real, human creators and contributing to expanding educational initiatives.”
She said she wouldn’t be a musician today if the California public school she attended hadn’t had a music program, and the angry mothers of third-graders hadn’t created one themselves. It was at that school that she first saw and heard the violin up close.
Luckily, the public school she attended in the fourth grade had a music program. “I was so excited, I couldn’t wait,” she says. “Being put in the orchestra with my school instruments was a big thing for me. That was the beginning of my journey, traveling all over the world, and here I am now.”
She said she first met officials from the Recording Academy when, as an actress, she attended the Valley Film Festival, which is based at the Television Academy in Hollywood.
Carcillo was nominated for membership in the Recording Academy by fellow music industry professionals, “in recognition of my long career as a violinist and, more recently, my work as a film composer, arranger and performer.”
For just a portion of the application, “it had to be very recent work, and it had to be currently commercially available for purchase or streaming,” Carcillo said. “It’s a very involved and thorough process,” she said.
“In my acting and film career, I feel like music, and especially the violin, has often influenced my opportunities. In this instance, I realized that this music honor was heavily influenced by my film work. It was so nice to have that reciprocal moment where both disciplines supported each other,” Carcillo added.
“I’m going to pursue my career and do the best I can. Now I realize I can help others, make the music industry the best it can be and inspire future musicians and music makers. I’m honored and grateful for this opportunity and excited to use my influence for good,” she said.
“Recording Academy members have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Grammys, so it’s very exciting to know they’ll be in the room where the ceremony takes place,” she said.