To be frank, I initially chose CU Boulder because of the scholarships I received. However, I also knew that I would be part of a rigorous and high quality music program where students and faculty were dedicated and knowledgeable. I also love Boulder in general. Location was important to me and the fact that the outdoors are so accessible was very appealing, as well as the attitude of this place – people are uncannily happy and thriving here, and I find that I thrive too in a place like this. I also enjoy how the College of Music is small, while the university is large, which means I build close relationships with my peers while also having access to the resources of a large university.
One of my favorite experiences to talk about is this: my friend Chase Church composed a piece which I then had the opportunity to perform solo at a Pendulum concert. The piece is gorgeous, to this day one of my favorite pieces of music, and singing at the concert with the composer present, and in front of the audience of real people from the community, was a beautiful experience and I will always treasure it. I am not intending to pursue performance and so this opportunity was less influential to my career and more important to me as a person.
I also work as an intern weekly with the Boulder Children’s Chorale, a community children’s choir. I am pursuing an education degree and so working with these children is enlightening and thrilling and I glean so much from every rehearsal. This is a rare opportunity, many programs do not get their education majors into a real classroom until junior year, but CU Boulder does a phenomenal job of providing opportunities for classroom exposure very early on, which is invaluable.
I also see marching band as one of the greatest opportunities I have taken advantage of here in Boulder! The Golden Buffalo Marching Band is more than 250 strong and is an array of students from many majors and many ability levels and we all come together to share our intense love for the Buffs! I don’t think that ever again in life will I have the chance to be part of such a goofy, passionate, and dedicated group of people, and so this band is very special to me.
Go Buffs!!!
Emmi Lindsey
Choral Education & Vocal Performance, 2021