I went into college knowing for four years that I wanted to be a music education major when my band director inspired my desires to pass on my passion for music with others. I knew going in that being an education major would be difficult, but piling all the music requirements on top of that can be borderline overbearing. Come to think of it, there are many people in the same overwhelming boat as I am: my department, and the longer I'm here I've come to realize that I really can't survive without them.

So to the music department: thank you.

Only music majors know what it is like to be in class from eight o'clock in the morning until 4 o'clock with only a bathroom break. Even better, we know how many classes we have to take per semester in order for us to not spend an eternity at our alma mater. Between all of this, we want to be involved as well, so what do we do? Join a national association that we can all discuss our struggles together. Let alone do things together such as go to the National Association for Music Education conference each year.

This conference is so amazing that I have to devote a whole paragraph to it. This is how we as aspiring music educators get the opportunity to network with people, go to classes that give us advice on how to be a well rounded educator, and become extremely close with the people within my department. I know that our department would not be as close as we are if we did not go to this annual conference. This among other things is what makes our department a genuine family.

I have never been a part of a family that has so much talent within it. There are sopranos who can hit notes I can only dream of, percussionists who make my jaw drop every time they perform, bass singers who sing lower than I thought I'd ever hear, and instrumentalists who hold down their parts because they are in their own section.

I'm so proud of my department because we are able to display how much talent this university has.

I am also appreciative of how versatile our department is. I never imagined being in wind ensemble, both choirs, and playing in the occasional strings concert during my time as a college student. I was warmly welcomed into my "outcast" ensembles and came to love all aspects of music. I appreciate how much I learn from my peers and my professors both directly and indirectly.

This department brings out the best in me. Not only are these people my classmates within my major; these people are also my mentors, my coworkers, and some of my lifelong friends. They've given me some of my best advice when I'm sad, let me release my pure anger, and have always guided me in the right direction. I know that I wouldn't have made it as far as I have without them by my side driving the struggle bus with me. I wish I could thank them in more ways than one but this'll have to do, so huge shout out to my department!

My life would "B flat" without you!