Decisions

In a rare move for me, I've actually made several decisions in the last couple weeks that will affect my scheduling for the rest of my time at Lehigh. None of them were particularly difficult, and they all had to do with extra-curricular activities and stuff along those lines, but I'm still happy with the fact that I've put thought into something and actually come to a conclusion. My usual response to a decision is typically to put it off until the last minute (such as applying to Lehigh ... in May) and let things take as natural of a course as possible. That system isn't without its faults, but so far it hasn't done me wrong. I ended up at a college I love in a very strong program, surrounded by friends and partipating in activities I enjoy. There's little else I could possibly ask for from life, as usual.

The decisions I've made are three-fold. As I considered them, they seemed mutually exclusive and thus forced me to decide between one of two ways to go in terms of spending my time during the next three semesters.

My first option, although it was pretty far-fetched, was to apply for a Head Gryphon position for senior year. For obvious and not-so-obvious reasons alike, this is clearly not the right choice for me or (more importantly) for whatever staff and residents I may be put in charge of. All that is, of course, assuming I would even get selected if I did apply (an outcome which is considerably unlikely). Putting that doubt aside, I did discuss the idea with current HG's and weigh what the extra work and extra benefits would mean. The extra work would mean significantly more time being spent on gryphoning than I ever have, being in charge of entire buildings and a staff, and generally taking it upon myself to really devote myself to this job. Not that I'm not already devoted, but the extra time and effort would be sizable. In terms of benefits, I'd be able to extend myself into the Lehigh administration more, do more work for the campus and its students, and contribute more to the University as a whole. I'd also be paid more and be able to put "Head Gryphon" on my resume.

My decision came down to simple time and priorities ... my academic work and other extra-curriculars seem to be well balanced with regular gryphoning right here in Trembley. Going into senior year and hoping to continue doing well, it'd be best for everyone involved if I remained in a capacity where I could work as a Gryphon but still maintain most of my time for classes and other organizations. No Head Gryphoning for me.

The path I've decided to follow, and the choice about which I'm happier, is to devote more time to musical endeavors starting in the Spring. With my chops finally healed to a level where I can play well and often (although drum corps is out of the question), it's almost as though I re-discovered how much I truly love music this semester. After all the emotional stuff that happened in the first half of this Fall and how shaken up I was, practicing and performing were always what calmed me down and helped bring focus back into my day. Playing trombone and making music alongside friends has been one of the passions of my life for more than a decade now; I honestly can't imagine the day when I'll have to put the horn down for good. I love it, pure and simple.

To go through with this decision to spend more time on music, I've therefore chosen to take up two new pursuits starting next semester. First off, if I receive a bid again this year, I'm going to accept it for Kappa Kappa Psi (national band fraternity). By this point I basically know every active member of the Lehigh Chapter, they do a lot for the music program, and the organization would allow me to give back to Lehigh in a way I haven't before. What's even better is that they seem to have a good amount of fun doing it, too. We'll see when bids come out what happens, but for now I'm optimistic.

The other decision for music involves something I've wanted to do ever since I left The Cadets. In the last year and a half I've had this hankering to be able to take what I've learned about music in the last ten years and actually share it with someone else- to give lessons or teach in whatever capacity I could. Up till now I've declined volunteer teaching offers on the basis of lack of time ... but enough of that. My Fridays in the Spring are almost completely open (one class 8-9 AM), so that's not even an excuse anymore. Starting in January or February, then, I'm hoping to take a friend up on an offer to give volunteer lessons at a local middle school. I really have no idea what I'll be in for (I've never taught anyone outside of correcting a wrong note from the guy sitting next to me), but it's the best chance I have right now to feel out the water on the whole idea. Who knows- I might just sell some middle school brass players on drum corps.

So that's how it's going to go from here on out ... schoolwork, regular gryphoning, wind ensemble, teaching, being an officer with NSCS, and taking part in an assortment of other organizations to fill out my schedule.

Nice.