Music Student Ambassadors
Paola Sofia Euyoque
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Why did you choose to attend UM?
Not only does the University of Mississippi offer great scholarship opportunities, the staff when visiting the campus made me feel very welcome. They answered every question I had and if they didn’t, they followed up with an email that did. I wanted to be involved in campus-life, and the programs and clubs here are endless! The campus just felt different than the others I have visited and I knew this was going to be my home away from home.
When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I have always had a passion for teaching and music but growing up, I was pressured from my peers and teachers to enter the medical field. So, my plan was to in fact to go to medical school and become an eye doctor. But, the summer before entering high school, I had a dream that was me as a band director. So, I knew without a doubt that I should pursue my dreams instead of following what everyone else wanted for me.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
The advice I would give to anyone curious about pursing music as a career is to make sure they know what all it involves. To me, music education is a major that you need a passion and a drive for it because it can be tedious at times. And at the end of the day, that drive makes it easier to remind yourself why you are in school when times get tough. It is a fun major, but for most people (including me) it is a major that involves learning content that you have heard absolutely nothing about but the staff here has no problem helping!
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
I am in the Honors College, and as a first-year requirement you must take Honors 101 and Honors 102. When I discovered that the class was available to take with Professor Nancy Balach, the chair of the music department, I wanted to take her section immediately! As a future educator, I want to see how someone who has an administration leadership position in one subject (music) teaches in another subject (writing). The way she can guide the class during our daily discussions on either medicine, religion, or even phenomena in the natural world, and relate to our daily and future lives is how I strive to be as an educator.
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
I have to say, the very first time performing the grove show my freshman year was surreal. It is so loud, yet I could hear my racing heartbeat as we performed the hype coral. The fans cheering just brought me so much happiness.
What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for post-graduation?
As of now, I plan to become a band director for a public high school in Mississippi. As I get closer to graduation, I am going to see my choices in pursing higher education.
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
When I get some free time, I usually spend it watching movies with my roommate, Emma! My best friends I met through Luckyday and I love to cook and watch TV as well. My hobbies include cooking, shopping, crafts, and binge watching Good Mythical Morning on YouTube.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
There are a few pieces of advice I would give my past self. First, get your parking pass on time! It’s a minor detail, but it is such a common mistake to get stuck with a garage parking pass and stressing about walking to your car is no fun. Second, getting involved increases your chance to form life-long friendships and relationships. Some of the very first people I met on campus are the people I talk to everyday. Third, is that times are going to get rough and nothing can really prepare you for it. The expectations and priorities you have as a university student really differ from either high school or a community college. But when you get lonely, remember there are other people that are feeling that way too!
Linna Zheng
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Why did you choose to attend UM?
I decided to study at UM simply because of the warm environment. From the professors to the students, everyone embraces one another and respects each other’s values, and I find this to be very uplifting as they are my support system.
When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
As a performance major with a pre-dental track, I have been playing the violin since the age of 5 and have been playing flute since middle school. My whole life, I have been encompassed by music, and I really enjoy performing and making music with peers, because it is a big “relaxation” moment from schoolwork. Aside from music, I have an interest in the dental field. Every time I visit the dentist, I am amazed and drawn to the way
on how the dentist function. I know that along with my passion for playing music, I want to one day become a dentist myself.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
I would say my biggest insight about being a music major is that you get to be “yourself”. Music is one of those things where you can express your opinions confidently, because there is no exact to it. I think an important detail about pursuing a field in music is to be engaged in ensembles. You definitely learn by working with others, and of course, there will be friendly competitions (which I find as a strong motivator to me in becoming a better musician).
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
A professor who has made an impact on me is Dr. Selim Giray, my violin professor. During my lessons, he encourages me to make decisions on how I would play a piece. And, I find this to be very supportive, because music, in my opinion, is the product of the showcase of composer’s expressions through individual interpretation, with a reasonable idea and support of the interpretation.
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
Being a member of The Pride of the South Band! With the band, I was able to travel to so many different cities that I usually would never travel to, and the peers and directors are very
uplifting and warm to each and every other. It is the ensemble where you meet people from different places and build bonds that last forever! I was also honored to receive an invitation to perform Dvorak’s “American” Quartet at a Federal Congressional Staff Meeting back in October 2022. The process of putting together this piece was a memorable one, because I was able to give comments and discuss with my peers in the quartet about the music, in order to produce the music we want to express. The performance experience was phenomenal! It allowed me to feel accomplished of myself and the group, because we were able to showcase our hard work.
What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for post-graduation?
Because I am on the pre-dental track along with my performance major, I wish to attend dental school after graduation, and I hope one day I can start my own dental practice. Along with the goal of becoming a dentist, I also want to be able to play with different orchestras, even solo, in order to fulfill my passion of performing.
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching TV, and simply sleeping during times outside of school. My favorite place to go in Oxford is definitely Marshall’s. I always try to resist myself from “over-purchasing”, but you will always find me walking out with a full buggy.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
The one thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman is having good time management.
Time goes by so fast everyday, and it is important to utilize the time well in order to have
the best balance between a good study schedule and social life.
Alexandra Erler
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Alexandra is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Vocal Music. During the school year, you can find Alexandra in multiple choral ensembles such as Women’s Glee, University Chorus, and The UM Concert Singers. During her spare time, Alexandra enjoys taking her dog for walks and reading a good book.
Why did you decide to major in music?
Music has always been my passion growing up. I’ve been singing since I was a toddler, but I didn’t take lessons until high school! Realizing that I could turn my passion into a purpose, by pursuing a career in music education, was the best thing I’ve ever realized! Having an amazing high school choral director and program, I was so inspired by my high school choral director’s determination for equitable and superior success throughout the entire program.
Have professors at UM mentored you?
I have had a variety of UM professors that have mentored me throughout the past four years! My greatest mentor has been my vocal studio professor, Dr. Jos Milton. He has supported me through my tonsillectomy, the challenges of being a music student during a pandemic, and most of all has shown me that through hard work and determination any musical goal is achievable.
Has UM provided any leadership opportunities?
I have been a choreographer and dance captain for the opera department in the Fall of 2018 and Spring of 2019. I was also honored to be selected into a research program led by Dr. Bradley Robinson [vocal department head] in the Spring of 2020.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to return to UM to get a Master’s degree in Vocal Music education!
What’s your favorite meal in Oxford?
My favorite meal in Oxford is at Jinsei! I like to start with an appetizer of tempura green beans and grilled edamame… everything on the menu is so good!
What are you binge watching?
So at the moment, I am currently watching the show “Game of Thrones” while I wait for the prequel to be released.
