Music Education Major
I chose Heidelberg because of the welcoming family atmosphere, the great music education staff and program, and the wide variety of opportunities to be involved in on campus. As a commuter, it was important to me that I be involved in other activities to stay active on campus and meet new people.
I majored in Music Education because I love to teach and help others. Being a swim lesson instructor since I was 14 years old, I have grown to love working with children and music is a great vehicle to do so. Music had such a lasting impact on my life, so being able to share that passion with students is something I am very grateful to have the opportunity to do.
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was entering higher education during a pandemic. This was terrifying as we were heavily discouraged from being in groups outside of class. Friendships were hard to come by that first semester. I handled it by being as involved as I could be at the time and going out of my way to establish relationships when I could. By being in Band and Choir, I already knew quite a few people. I also joined a sorority, which helped broaden my friendships by introducing me to people outside of the music world. We also had a small group of music education majors who would socially distance in one of the bigger rooms at the library to join zoom classes together. We called ourselves "The Library Crew." Even though we were spread out and had our masks on, it was very beneficial both educationally and emotionally to have that in-person interaction at that time. This was the main way I connected with others during my second semester of freshman year and I am still friends with "The Library Crew" to this day.
The best opportunity I discovered at Heidelberg was being Greek Life. Being involved in three groups and the music honorary, Tau Mu Sigma, I have had the opportunity to hold many leadership positions that all have prepared me for my career. Being Greek Sing Director, I learned how to create, write, choreograph, and teach music to people with a variety of backgrounds. Being Recording Secretary and Vice President, I learned how to communicate and keep organized records of whatever information was necessary. This also allowed me to develop the strengths I already had, such as using spreadsheets and other technology in a way to help others.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in a sorority, Delta Sigma Chi, for 7 semesters. I was the Vice President, Treasurer, and Greek Sing Director for 2 semesters, along with Recording Secretary, Censor, Attire, and Alumnae Secretary for 1 semester. I was also in 2 corollaries, the Rhos' Buds of Rho Eta Delta and the Sig Hons of Sigma Tau Nu. I was a member of the music honorary, Tau Mu Sigma, for 2 years, being Recording secretary for 2 semesters and Vice President for 2 semesters. I was a member of OCMEA (Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association) for all 4 years and was Fundraising Co-chair for 2 semesters and President for 2 semesters. Lastly, I was a member of the Marching Band playing saxophone, Symphonic Band playing flute, Concert Choir singing alto and Chamber Singers singing alto. I was a section leader in both Band and Choir for all 4 years. This year, I have had the opportunity to serve as Concert Choir President.
The thing I'm most proud of about My Heidelberg accomplishments is graduating with honors in Music Education. Music Education is one of the majors with the most required credit hours, thus is very often switched out of and is a difficult degree. Being able to be involved in other groups on campus, work part time outside of school, and graduate with honors has not been easy, but has been super rewarding. The many long nights, help from my peers, and assistance from professors have been worth it!
One faculty or staff mentor or advisor who impacted my ‘Berg experience is Dr. Greg Ramsdell because of both his high expectations and his care for our well-being. While he expects nothing less than excellence from his students, he will also do everything in his power to get us there. While Chorale Methods was one of the most intense classes I've had in my undergrad, I also learned the most from his class and will use that knowledge for the rest of my career. Having known Dr. Ramsdell since before I knew I wanted to be a music education major, it has been amazing to have his advice and guidance these past four years. I would not be the teacher or student I am today without his words of wisdom.
My advice to new freshman me would be to get out of your room! College is what you make of it. If you want to be involved and make lasting friendships, put yourself out there. Sign up for events, go to clubs, and participate in dorm or campus activities. Do fun things besides schoolwork whenever possible! The more plugged in you are, the more support you have when you need it.
My favorite Heidelberg memory is being the Head Counselor for the Summer Camp through the School of Music & Theatre. While it was easily one of the longest weeks of my entire life, it was also incredibly rewarding. I learned how to deal with many conflicts, medical situations, and unexpected situations that I had not dealt with previously as a Traditional Counselor. I also had a lot more involvement with the planning of the camp which allowed me to embrace my inner teacher by making decorations, point boards, and games for the students. It was also very fun to work so closely alongside my professors and advisors!
My plans after graduation are to accept a job in the area teaching either high school band or choir. I eventually plan to attend graduate school, but want to get a few years of experience with teaching under my belt before pursuing that goal.