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Robert Sherrane
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| Robert Sherrane enjoying a beautiful spring afternoon on the North Plaza of Lincoln Center late last month. |
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A New Jersey native, Robert Sherrane was born in West Long Branch and grew up in Middletown. He earned a Bachelor of Music in voice performance at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and a Master of Information Studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Before coming to Juilliard, he was concurrently working in the library system at UMich as a serials librarian in the main library, computer lab monitor in the School of Information, and circulation in the Music Library. Later he worked part-time as a cataloger in the Special Formats division.
How long have you worked at Juilliard, and what do you remember about your first day?
I think it’s been a full 10 years now. All I remember about my first day is meeting a lot of people, most of whom I haven’t seen since. And learning a lot about the library, most of which has completely changed since then.
What job at Juilliard would you like to try out for a day and why?
I think I’d like to try Angel Rosario’s job as custodian for a day—he’s always smiling and in such a good mood!
What is the strangest or most memorable job you’ve ever had and what made it so?
I worked in a pet store for a day. I quit after almost being kicked senseless by a canary.
If out of the blue your boss said to take the day off, what would you do with your free time?
I’d probably go to a museum—either the American Museum of Natural History or MoMA. Or I’d go to a movie. Or maybe take myself out to brunch. Or all three. But not necessarily in that order.
Have you continued your artistic endeavors?
Not as much as I’d like to since leaving school, but I do still sing and act occasionally, if not always at the same time. I’ve done a show or two in town, the most recent being Urinetown at Center Stage Community Playhouse in the Bronx. (I played Officer Lockstock.) And I sing with the Gay Gotham Chorus. (Our next performance is at St. Bartholomew’s on Park Avenue on June 9 at 8 p.m. Hope to see you there.) And I’ve done a lot of Gilbert and Sullivan—I love Gilbert and Sullivan.
What other pursuits are you passionate about?
I love the opera, as anyone who knows me can attest. Wagner, especially. But not with Jane Eaglen. Actually, music generally. I’m pretty fanatical about my CD collection, which I think may now contain more than 2,000 titles. Oh, and I love The Lord of the Rings. And Abbott and Costello. I really like classic movies and have spent a small fortune collecting them on DVD.
What was the best vacation you’ve had and what made that trip so special?
I finally made it to Europe with a trip to Venice just a few years ago. Great city—but I think my trip was, in the end, all about the food. Ever had a shellfish pizza? I loved it!
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I like to build and paint fantasy figure models.
What is your favorite thing about New York City?
The peace and quiet of Times Square late on a Saturday night. Ha! No, I’d have to say the restaurants—but my favorite has been Circus on East 61st Street. It features Brazilian-Portuguese fare and is great.
What book are you reading right now? Or what CD are you listening to?
When on the subway I’m now reading Patriots by A.J. Langguth. At home I’m currently poking through both Gluck by Alfred Einstein and half a dozen other books on music. But that’s only because I’m not rereading any of The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter books at the moment. And right now I’m listening to Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the San Francisco Symphony. Wow!
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Yes. Not all of this is true. I never really worked in a pet store. Oh, and I’m still single.
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