Page 55 - 2019 UDMB Senior Will

Likewise, the frustrations surrounding band can depend on how much you think about those little things. Why can’t the person next to me just put their damn feet in ski-line? Why are we taking ourselves so seriously? Why can’t the band just be in tune like in my high school marching band or drum corps? Whether you’re just here to get away from the stresses of life, or you’re here to develop yourself into a top performer or educator, the clash between different motivations for participation is real.
It is easy to focus on the little things that make this activity frustrating. We’re human, and we’re a product of the stressful college environment that has brought us all together. And perhaps that was me, sophomore year, unhappy with my section, uninspired by the field show, and wondering if putting up with the little things would be worth it.
Later that year, I had a true shift in perspective, and if you’re at all feeling ANY of the things I’ve described above, I challenge you to try and see this perspective: What makes the UDMB great is not its ability to cater to one kind of musician or performer, nor its value as a performing ensemble. The UDMB is great because it is a home for anyone to become inspired by music.
It is a home for people who have never marched and want to try a new thing. It is a home for stressed individuals in need of a community in their collegiate adventure where they otherwise have none. It is a home for those who fell in love with band in high school, whether in a show band of 20 or en route to a BOA championship. It is a home for the 5-year DCI vet who just wants to ease their foot off the gas. And most importantly – it is home for those who want to inspire others to feel at home – to leave the place better than they found it. And the moment you accept that the brilliance of the UDMB is its ability to somehow bring together all these walks of life and create something spectacular, you begin to truly appreciate why this ensemble is so special, and focus a bit harder on each time you play that Concert C.
There are a ton of people who have since graduated or moved on who have made the UDMB home for me. These are the people who did the little things to make my UDMB experience better than when they found it.
To my first Baritone Staff...
Mike Stafford – you are my model for leadership – calm, collected, and a master of the ability to be
both a teacher and a peer.
Katie Chambers – you are Mom, you always have been, and the fact that you continue to commit yourself to others is humbling.
Matt Criscuolo – You were instrumental in reminding me to only take myself as seriously as needed, and have as much fun as possible.
Tim Satterfield – you helped me develop musically way more than you’ll ever realize. I am truly appreciative to the 4 of you for creating the culture of hard work and big hype in the Baritone Section that continues to this day.
To the Baritones of the past...
Gusy, Dante, Jack, Charlotte, Bethany, Nico, Emily Fitzgerald, Connor McGinley, Gaby, Dave, and Connor Rydland – all of you have had an impact on my life. Whether it be opening my mind to new ideas and perspectives, helping me understand and accept myself, and challenging me to a better performer and leader, you all made this home.