Music
- Student Profile - Caroline Clymer
Caroline Clymer
Freshman, Music
McGaheysville, Va.
What drew you to Hesston College?
Well, I won a music scholarship and made it into Bel Canto Singers, but those are just an added bonus. The thing I love about the music department at Hesston is the fact that there are such amazing instructors at an institution where it's also possible to get individual attention. They take the time to get to know you and your strengths so that they can challenge you and keep you excited about music. I was impressed at how opportunities I didn't know existed were opened to me, like singing in a variety show, helping to lead Pep Band at a few games, singing in chapel, or learning a Scottish song to play on tour with Bel Canto.
I also appreciate the approachability and availability of the faculty in the music department. They are more than willing to help you out with a homework question or a difficult piece of music, and are always positive and encouraging. I have definitely grown as a singer and as a musician in this environment, and I value the hands-on experience I've gotten as a freshman. Since Hesston is a smaller two-year school, I was able to get involved right away.
How challenging are the academics in the music department?
It's up to you to make your course load as easy or difficult as you would like it to be. The music classes I'm taking are challenging, but still fun and worth the effort. Some of the general education requirements are more labor-intensive than others, like Biblical Literature, for example. Even though it's a fairly difficult course, if you ask most students, they will say that Biblical Literature was a great class. Students learn and accomplish so much in the course. Everyone should take it.
What is your favorite music course? Why is it your favorite?
I really can't decide what my favorite music class is, but if I must choose, I will say Music Theory I. It is a small class, so the pace is determined largely by how quickly the class gets a grasp of each concept. If we need more time on a certain unit, we can take that time, and if one section is a breeze, we don't have to spend a week talking about it. Music Theory I is definitely my most challenging music class, but that's part of what I like about it. I also really like the broad spectrum of abilities we work on in class. We practice conducting, composing, and sight reading in addition to transposing music and other things from the workbook.
What have been your best or favorite performance opportunities at Hesston?
Some things I've really enjoyed this year have included going to NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) regional
vocal competition in Greeley, Colorado, going on tour with Bel Canto,
leading hymn sings in the racquetball courts, helping with
the praise team at Hesston Mennonite Church, and collaborating with
other students. The atmosphere here is decidedly collaborative rather than
competitive. We help each other out so that we can all improve.
I learned clarinet from a friend in exchange for a few flute lessons.
Another friend of mine is really skilled at musical theater, so she coaches
me on my musical theater songs and I work with her on her classical
music.
What are some of your most memorable moments as a student at Hesston?
My favorite memories at Hesston so far have been trips I've taken, like
Bel Canto tour and NATS, or random things I've done with my friends.
My roommate plays the drums and another one of my friends plays the
piano and violin, so we will all go over to the music building and just play
out of Hymnal, Sing the Journey, Sing the Story or make up our own music.
Other favorite memories include walks to the arboretum, stargazing, hiking
in the Harvey County park, or spending a day at Stutzman's Cabin with
friends.
What are your plans for after Hesston?
I'm not sure what the future holds for me after Hesston. I'm leaving that
decision in God's hands, keeping my options open,
and for now I'm just going to take life one step
at a time. I would like to pursue a bachelor's degree after
Hesston, and possibly a master's later on. I will major in music eduation,
but I'm interested in pursuing other aspects of music as well, perhaps
further down the road. I know that Hesston will prepare me well for the next steps, whatever they
may be.
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