Sept. 9, 2004
By Paul Epstein
Junior Trombonist,
Chemical Engineering, Class of `06
Coming to Notre Dame was one of the more nerve-wracking experiences of my life. I had never been in college before, and so the unknown loomed large in my thoughts. I imagine that all freshmen are nervous about reporting to band camp, and I was certainly no exception.
Most people in my section–the Trombones–will tell you that they are poor musicians. Most of them are just being polite, though, and are actually quite talented. I was unsure if my musical abilities were up to the task of being in the Notre Dame Band and if there was room in the band for a prospective engineer. Without getting into a long discussion over the various merits of the academic programs, I believe that engineering is particularly demanding of time and energy, and I did not know if I could pursue both of my passions–band and chemical engineering–at the same time.
As I came to learn, my fears could not have been more misplaced. On the first day of band camp, I was introduced to the section and made my first batch of friends, thirty-six in all, at Notre Dame. Looking back, it seems almost unreal how readily the upperclassmen (and when you’re a freshman, everyone is an upperclassman) greeted the freshmen and treated us as friends and peers.
These newfound friends were invaluable in the days ahead as I adjusted to life at Notre Dame. As it turned out, several of the older trombones lived in my residence hall and helped me get moved in and to figure out how everything in the rooms worked. Without their help, I would have not been able to call home the first time (who knew you had to dial 9 to get an outside line?).
But what of engineering and band? On the first day of band camp it seemed like every other person I met was an engineer of some sort. While the number is actually smaller, there is at least one engineer in every class in the trombone section. I was able to meet older, wiser chemical engineers in my section and in other sections. These people have all been willing and able to advise me on all of the areas of academic concern, such as course selection, when to perform undergraduate research, and who to research with.
When most people look at the band, I think that they primarily see the music, formations, and marching–almost a blue and gold machine. I know that some day, I will not be able to remember the songs we played, or the shapes we made, but I believe that the people who made up the section, their names and faces, will stay with me. My first friends at Notre Dame, my advisors on classes and scheduling, and my mentors in the ways of the campus phone system.
After another band camp, today we take the field for the first time this season. Enjoy the show and GO IRISH!!!