Monday, January 8, 2018

My Introduction

Hello World


I suppose it is a good idea to actually introduce myself, I mean not only is it worth points for this class, but it also allows us to gain a better understanding of the provider of the content that we are reading. So I guess I'll start with a brief synopsis from the beginning until i get to some of the more interesting stuff.



The Beginning:

I grew up in a military family, my Dad has been in the Army for my entire life. Fittingly, I was born in a very off the wall place to most people. That place is Alaksa, just outside of anchorage at Elmendorf Air Force Base. While I do not remember all that much about the state, I still enjoy claiming it as my place of origin. After about 3 years in Alaska the family packed up and moved to Ft. Irwin California (Do not recommend living here). Following Ft. Irwin we then moved down to Ft. Hood Texas, and that eventually led us to Lawton/Ft. Sill Oklahoma Where I grew up.

Growing Up:

I spent the majority of my life in a decently sized southwestern Oklahoma town named Lawton. The city gets a bad rap due to its high levels of crime and general lack of things to do, but it wasn't all that bad most of the time. I played soccer as a kid, and then began to play in the school band in middle school. This eventually became my biggest passion in life. I stopped playings soccer due to injury, and found my self enjoying playing my instrument (the euphonium) more and more. Marching band also became something that I put a great deal of time into, and i discovered Drum Corps for the first time. Marching at the highest level became a dream of mine. I graduated high school in 2013, and set out to OU to figure out what my next step in life would be.


College and Beyond:

A Pregame image from my final Year in the Pride of Oklahoma


I came to OU as a music composition major, but over the course of my time here I have changed majors multiple times. What I finally settled on was creating my own planned program that allowed me to take classes of my own interest with the end goal of being able to live comfortably and make a living writing music. I spend a great deal of time currently writing and listening to music. I would really like to write music for film in the future. If you have any interesting music recommendations for me, feel free to leave a comment with those, I am always on the lookout for new music.

Throughout my time at OU I have been a member of the Pride of Oklahoma Marching band for four years, as well as the Crossmen drum and bugle corps for two years (This was the accomplishment of a Dream). Because of the groups I have traveled to all but 7 states in the U.S and have performed for millions of people live, on television, and in movie theatres as well. I have provided a video of my last drum corps show for your entertainment. 


This past fall I helped with teaching at Norman High School's marching band, and that was a cool experience for me. Being on the educational side of this activity has truly made it come full circle.

I will continue to update this as I come up with more to include in it. Thanks for taking the time to read.

24 comments:

  1. Yes, Stephan, you figured out how to do videos in a post! Fantastic! Being able to share music together with images and writing is one of the best things about blogging, so I am glad you did that here. And I really hope this course can be an Introduction to the beautiful world of Indian music... I am a huge fan of Indian music, especially fusion artists like Maati Baani and Prem Joshua. Here is Maati Baani's YouTube channel; their videos are so creative and beautiful I think.
    Maati Baani YouTube
    Here's one they did in the New York City subway (their first time in America!) together with the Saw Lady:
    Lagan Lagi Re

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  2. Stephan, I am also a planned program major, and it is really interesting to hear how other people utilize this unique degree. I think that catering your education to something you enjoy and can use is important. Also, It's awesome that you find time to invest in your music by being a part of the Pride of Oklahoma!

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  3. Stephan, I am from the "shady 580" as well! I grew up in Altus and I can back you up on Lawton getting a bad rap. As someone from southwest Oklahoma, I agree, it is not as bad as people make it seem. In fact, I just went to Lawton the other day to the Patriot theater. That is amazing that you have got to travel so far and wide with the Drum Corps. Congratulations!

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  4. Hey Stephan! I think it is pretty cool that you have gotten the chance to live in so many different towns. I've grown up in the same place my whole life so I think change would be something nice. I also think it is pretty amazing you are following your dreams and interests in music. Writing music for movies one day would be such a cool job. I also think it is cool that you are apart of our school's band. I love the energy the Pride brings to people at OU.

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  5. Hey Stephan!

    Wow! I have grandparents, who recently moved to Lawton, so I know exactly what your are talking about! Lawton has always been a place for my family and I to go to especially, because of the mountains! I kind of understand the military life, but I can only imagine how much of learning experience that was for. One of my best friends had an parent who was active for 20 years, but Oklahoma ended up being their final destination. Also, the fact that you are a music composition major is amazing, I literally can note tell the difference between a d major or flat or what all those music things are. Fine arts has never been my thing making my appreciation for those who are good at it increase. I cannot wait to read what you have to write this semester!

    - Mansi Patel

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  6. Hello Stephan. I have never heard of being a planned program major but that sounds really neat. I agree that Lawton is not as bad as a lot of people say. Its awesome that you love to play music and are that good. I think that being in the Ou marching band would be a great feeling. Best of luck in being able to write music as a career.

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  8. Hi, Stephan. I am a music major here at OU too! Although, I am vocal mued. I'm sure we have had some of the same experiences, though. Maybe we can give each other some feedback should we incorporate music into our stories! I wish I was a better instrumentalist..I have so much respect for you all! I am curious if euphonium is still your primary instrument?

    Best, Jessie

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  9. Hi Stephan! All throughout middle school and high school I was in band too! I loved it so much and sometimes I still miss it when I see how much fun the bands kids at OU have. I decided that when I went to college I needed to start a new chapter of my life and it was a hard decision but I decided not to do band at OU. It's really awesome that you were in the Crossmen! I know that takes a lot of discipline and commitment!

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  10. Hello Stephan!

    Some of my best friends are in Pride! They play the flute and trumpet, and they absolutely love it. They get to travel so much and I'm really jealous! It looks like hard work though. My friends and I graduated from Norman North so I'm glad you got the chance to teach the band there. I've been to Lawton a few times to visit Mount Scott, but haven't really been anywhere else inside of Lawton! I hope you are able to write music for films in the future. My boyfriend is currently pursuing his dream of becoming a film director so maybe you guys will cross paths someday!

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  11. Hey Stephan, it's nice to meet you! It sounds like you've definitely had a unique life. Did you enjoy moving around and getting to experience new places? I definitely hope I get to visit Alaska someday! I've heard it's very pretty. Have you had a chance to go back? I'd never heard of the planned program you speak of, but it sounds very interesting and I'm glad the university had an option that was perfect for you. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Hello Stephan,
    I have family that lives down on lawton and I head down that way about every weekend to go hiking in the wichitas. I agree the town is not as bad as most people make it sound. Also I was in the norman high school band!! I am sure you met Deerdorf. Don't ask him about me because I doubt he enjoyed me lol. The band itself made me who I am today.

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  13. Hi Stephan!

    I have always been floored by the sheer precision seen in high-end marching bands; you guys have so many things to concentrate on at the same time! Really great video, and really impressive dedication on your part. The marching band has always been more interesting to watch than the game, for me. So nice to meet you, and so much fun to watch that show! Thank you!

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  14. Hey Stephan! A lot of my friends grew up in military families. It is so cool that you decided to stay in Oklahoma for college, instead of moving back to Alaska or California. For me, when I watch football or any other sport, watching the band is the best part. Congrats on reaching your goals in band!! It is such a hard thing to accomplish something like that.

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  15. Hey Stephan!
    First off, I really like the design and layout of your blog. Also, I thought the personal photos you added into your introduction were a nice touch! It’s so cool that you were a member of the Pride of Oklahoma; I bet that was a lot of fun. I hope you are having a good semester so far and I can’t wait to see what you post next to your blog!

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  16. Hey Stephan,
    I think it is so cool that you are in the Pride! I have a couple friends that are in the pride. I think it would be so cool to be able to be in the Pride, but I am not musically inclined. I also thing it is cool that you know what you want to do with your life! Not a lot of people do. I look forward to seeing the rest of your blog this semester!!

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  17. Hi Stephan! I also have chosen the planned program path! It's great to be able to say, "None of these degrees really fit me, so I'll make one that does!" I had to look up the instrument you play, and I bet you were a joy to be around while practicing! Just kidding (not really).

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  18. Hello Stephan!
    I think it is pretty cool that you were born in Alaska! I have always wanted to visit the state. I wonder why you don't like California? I know a couple who want to move out there. I would love to know why you don't recommend it so I can relay the information. I would love to hear some of the things you have written up! I wish I could play an instrument. I love how passionate and involved you are in music. I also love how you embedded a video of you playing in the drum corps. Love it! I can't wait to read your material.

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  19. Hey Stephan!
    How is it being in Oklahoma compared to being in Alaska? I've never been there but my family went a few years ago on a cruise, I might go one day though. Pretty cool that you are so passionate about music, I really wish I had practiced more when I was younger to learn how to read music and play an instrument or two. Can't wait to read your story.

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  20. Hi Stephan! I think it is super awesome that you are from Alaska! I've always wanted to visit there. Also, I thnk it is great how you are very involved in music and band. The passion for instruments is great and I think it will carry you a long way. I am really excited to read your story!

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  21. Hi Stephan, I am from the myth-folklore group. I can relate to the whole changing majors thing! I started out as a civil engineering major, went to advising to switch to biology, and left with a psychology major. Like what? I think it is awesome that you are in the pride. I have met many people who have been in it as well. Nice to meet you!

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  22. Hi Stephan! I grew up with a lot of music in my life. My dad is a professional jazz percussionist who writes music and plays the vibraphone and drums, so I definitely admire your drive to make a living as a composer. I used to be a professional ballet dancer as well, so I know first hand how difficult and ultimately rewarding life as an artist can be. I hope it all works out well for you!

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  23. Hello Stephan, it is cool to hear about all your musical experience at the University of Oklahoma, it always is great when people find the time to continue doing what they love in college. Good luck with the changing of majors, it is great that you found what worked best for your future career.

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  24. Hey there Stephan! I think it great that you like music because I personally listen to different kind of music such as K-pop, Asian Indian pop music, American music, and sometime Mexican music. So I listen to lot of kind of music. The only music I don’t listen to is Country songs I think they are boring but some other people might like them.

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