HOW UNIVERSITY PARTICIPATION HAS PUSHED ME PAST MY COMFORT ZONE:
In high school people would always say "That one time at band camp..." even though none of us had ever been to a band camp. I truthfully say that one time at band camp. Band camp pushed me out of my comfort zone because of the caliber of talent, the people, and the atmosphere.
The first way band camp pushed me out of my comfort zone was the caliber of talent. I was used to being by far the most talented musician at my school. At UNI I am one of the people that struggles the most when playing the music. I had never had to memorize songs before UNI. Here we had to memorize 14 per game. This was a shock along with the way UNI marches. In high school we would high step. In high stepping your knees make 90 degree angles and your thigh is parallel to the ground. At UNI we roll step. In this march you move your legs the smallest amount possible. I cannot for the life of me roll step properly so if you look at me on the field I will most likely just be walking in time.
The second way band camp pushed me out of my comfort zone was the people. In high school my group of friends were mostly "Jocks". I was not used to hanging out with anyone other than people who lived and breathed sports for four years. I was utterly shocked when someone asked me at band camp in regards to my shirt, "What sport do the Cubs play?" This was going to be different, but where I had some knowledge of music and quite a bit about sports these people had seemingly unending information on band. They had perfect pitch, perfect form, and an extensive knowledge of musicians from Bach to Ke$ha. I was so in awe of all of these people.
The third reason I was out of my comfort zone had a great deal to do with the people as well! The atmosphere of UNI was wonderful. It really is small, but big! I love all the people that hold the door for you, or pick up a piece of trash off the ground without being asked to! UNI has given me the opportunity to make many new friends, and to have so many great experiences the Dike Iowa could not offer.
During the week of Band camp I was push physically, mentally, and most importantly out of my comfort zone. This allowed me to learn, teach, and thrive. I look forward to the next three years of marching band camp. I hope that I can make someone else's first band camp as awesome as mine was!
The first way band camp pushed me out of my comfort zone was the caliber of talent. I was used to being by far the most talented musician at my school. At UNI I am one of the people that struggles the most when playing the music. I had never had to memorize songs before UNI. Here we had to memorize 14 per game. This was a shock along with the way UNI marches. In high school we would high step. In high stepping your knees make 90 degree angles and your thigh is parallel to the ground. At UNI we roll step. In this march you move your legs the smallest amount possible. I cannot for the life of me roll step properly so if you look at me on the field I will most likely just be walking in time.
The second way band camp pushed me out of my comfort zone was the people. In high school my group of friends were mostly "Jocks". I was not used to hanging out with anyone other than people who lived and breathed sports for four years. I was utterly shocked when someone asked me at band camp in regards to my shirt, "What sport do the Cubs play?" This was going to be different, but where I had some knowledge of music and quite a bit about sports these people had seemingly unending information on band. They had perfect pitch, perfect form, and an extensive knowledge of musicians from Bach to Ke$ha. I was so in awe of all of these people.
The third reason I was out of my comfort zone had a great deal to do with the people as well! The atmosphere of UNI was wonderful. It really is small, but big! I love all the people that hold the door for you, or pick up a piece of trash off the ground without being asked to! UNI has given me the opportunity to make many new friends, and to have so many great experiences the Dike Iowa could not offer.
During the week of Band camp I was push physically, mentally, and most importantly out of my comfort zone. This allowed me to learn, teach, and thrive. I look forward to the next three years of marching band camp. I hope that I can make someone else's first band camp as awesome as mine was!