“I actually decided to come to Angelo State before I knew what major I wanted to do,” she said. “I just knew I wanted to be in band. I got to meet with (band director) Dr. Alvis the first time I toured, which was probably a big factor in me coming here.”
A senior from Schertz, Lily quickly went from “not sure” to “very sure” in her choice of major.
“I never thought I wanted to be a music major,” she explained. “But there was just one day when I realized I didn’t want to live the rest of my life without playing my trombone. I want to do that for the rest of my life. I also wanted to help other people experience that same passion for music that I have.”
Lily started to play trombone when she was 10 years old. She has continued pursuing her passion at ASU by participating in seven different music ensembles within the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
“I also wanted to help other people experience that same passion for music that I have.”
“I came here and felt like I found a home,” Lily said. “The size of the music program is fairly small, and I feel like I can be involved. I enjoy being involved as much as I can. I’ve had more room to take a leadership role that maybe I wouldn’t have been able to somewhere else. I’ve been able to be principal here, which is awesome.”
In addition to being involved in ensembles, Lily also works as an office assistant in the department, where she’s had the opportunity to work with staff and faculty even more.
“I feel like the faculty here are invested in me and my success,” she said. “The first time I talked with Dr. Alvis, he sounded so excited about his job. It’s not work for him – it’s just what he loves to do. I thought, ‘I want to be in band with someone who leads like that, someone who loves what they do.’”
“All the music professors here are just amazing,” Lily continued. “They make an effort to work with all students to help you succeed. I have a lot of respect for the faculty here.”
The community Lily has been able to build has made Angelo State her home away from home.
“Angelo State has a lot of places and opportunities for you to find your niche in the community,” she said. “Mine is in this building (Carr Education-Fine Arts Building), but there are so many other places for other majors and other people to find where they belong. I’ve seen that a lot, even outside of my own little place here.”
