Noteworthy passion

Austin’s zeal for music encompasses everything from vocal and instrumental music to music theory and history. He plays trombone in Northwestern’s Symphonic Band and Jazz Band, sings with the A cappella Choir and Heritage Singers, and has also shared his musical gifts with the brass chamber ensemble and Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra. After graduation, he hopes to direct a high school band and continue to be an active performer at church or with a local orchestra.

Music man
Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember. The amount of expression you can show while making music has always been captivating to me. I also think that playing an instrument or singing can be a great way to have fun and even cope with hard times. When I become a band director, I hope I can show my students that music is so much more than notes on a page.

Impressed by profs
I had initially planned to attend a different college, but once I met some of Northwestern’s professors, I knew I had to come here. Dr. Holm, Dr. Holt, Dr. Kang and Professor Phinney are really knowledgeable in their field, and they always seek to pass on that knowledge to their students. They are also willing to get to know their students and ensure they are successful in whatever they do.

Theory aficionado
I really enjoy learning music theory. There is nothing cooler than being able to listen to older pieces of music and identify what is happening at a theoretical level. I also love being able to hear a composer’s name and know something about music at that time because of my music history classes.

Crescendo
I have grown a tremendous amount during my time at Northwestern, developing into a leader and an active learner. In academics, music and even my character, I’ve learned not to be a perfectionist but to always find ways to grow. And as I’ve grown in confidence as a musician, I’ve been able to take advantage of opportunities like playing in the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra.