Music Education Major
I chose Heidelberg because of the family atmosphere created between the students and the staff and because of all the opportunities and activities in which Heidelberg allows the students to be involved.
I majored in Music Education because I believe that music is one of the best ways to teach students life lessons through the content of the subject.
A major challenge that I encountered while at Heidelberg was having a child while being a full-time student and I handled it by always making sure that every decision made and action taken was made with the thought of both my family and my career in mind.
Above all, Heidelberg prepared me to be resilient and keep pushing forward.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in Marching Band, Choir, OCMEA, “SpongeBob the Musical,” Jazz Band, Steel Drum Band, Brass Choir and the drumline.
My favorite extra-curricular activity was the drumline because I was able to make many memories that will last a lifetime.
One faculty or staff mentor or advisor who impacted my 'Berg experience is Rod Miller because he showed me that Music Education is more than just being in a classroom teaching students music. He taught me that as a music educator, you are more than just a teacher. You are a role model, mentor, friend, and in some cases a family member. Rod embodies the meaning of students first and has inspired and continues to inspire me to live out my career in this way as well.
My advice to new freshmen would be to listen to Rule #32 of Zombieland, "Enjoy the little things." As all of you know, four years can fly by in what feels like no time at all. Enjoy every second possible because once it is gone, it can't come back. Randall Standridge is a composer who writes for concert bands. He wrote a piece called “Choose Joy” and in his program notes of this piece, he writes, "...time is our greatest gift and most valuable asset, and we are always spending it, whether we intend to or not. When we ask someone for their hand in marriage, we are asking for and offering our most treasured possession. Our time. Our lives. When we choose a profession, we are agreeing to dedicate our time to this." So when venturing into this new, scary time in your lives always remember that you are spending your time, so spend it how YOU see fit. One last piece of advice is to not dwell on the bad things that happen. Rough times are inevitable so find what can be learned in each of those times of hardship. Randall Standridge finished his program notes of “Choose Joy” with, "Even in the darkest of clouds, there can be light and beauty. Peace, love, and music."
My favorite Heidelberg memory is the countless times I would walk into Brenneman Music Hall, turn the corner, and immediately get dragged into a heated conversation about where butter belongs in the kitchen. ... It belongs in the fridge.
My plans after graduation are to become a band director somewhere in Northwest Ohio and become the best possible husband and dad I can be.