It was a dark and stormy night — but actually, it was. A new tradition arose a few years ago at our band camp, the Hunger Games (don't worry, there is absolutely no murder involved); it is an amalgamation of small, seemingly-pointless minute-to-win-it games that pit the different sections of the band against each other, proving who truly has the most spirit. I saw an opportunity in the event this year — a catalyst for social growth within our group; words cannot...

I've always thought of percussive composition as being ideologically comparable with Chemistry. There's so many factors to consider when writing — one isn't just "writing music"; you are creating a feeling, achieving a score, or altering the emotional perspective of a listener. Especially with creating a highly technical composition, such as with marching percussion, it is very math-oriented; for instance, molding a sextuplet structure into a 7/8 time signature with flam rudiments isn't just putting notes on a page — it is solving...

For University of Michigan: I've always thought of percussive composition as its own form of engineering. There's so many factors to consider when writing — one isn't just "writing music"; you are creating a feeling, achieving a score, or altering the emotional perspective of a listener. Especially with highly technical composition, such as with marching percussion, it is very math-oriented; for instance, molding a sextuplet structure into a 7/8 time signature with flam rudiments isn't just putting notes on a page — it...

For Northwestern University: From tracing the growth of the Mongol Empire and understanding the framework of the political process to calculating the conditions of chemical equilibrium in the lab, my interests have been wide. At Northwestern, I could pursue my multi-dimensional passions — the quarter system would provide me with the ability to experience many more classes and perspectives than would a typical semester system. Weinberg would permit me to continue to explore a wide array of subjects while constantly refining...

I was quite lucky in this aspect: my family went on trips to both the West and East coasts to visit colleges. Once you find which tier of school you would like to pursue, I would recommend looking at the programs in which you are interested at the different schools. From there, I would look at culture--do you want to hang out with these guys...

I would have started my essays earlier, especially brainstorming. I would read the different prompts for the personal statement as soon as they become available, which I believe is early August. From there, let them brew in your...

I only interviewed for Penn. It was a comfortable experience. I am under the influence that all that the interview can really...

I plan on working for a few years in either technology or...

I would recommend to do things that you enjoy doing that fit with your profile. If you are a musician, find a way to better your playing during the summer--maybe go to...