The power of Drew and Brendan and Adam: the BMB

Drew Briski, cymballic leader
As such expressions as this blog, UW-Eau Claire departmental websites, and university press releases regularly demonstrate, student success and accomplishment make us happy.  When one of our students is recognized for work well done, or gets a job for which they have prepared, or lands a funded graduate school placement, or passes any number of milestones (or overcomes obstacles) on their road to graduation, we rejoice.  We like what we do and like it when our students find value in it and build on it.
Adam Wysocki
bustin' a move

But, as hard as our students work in their majors, we are often reminded that our students also have activities, aptitudes and aspirations beyond our disciplines and that add other dimensions to their lives.  It should come as  no surprise, really, given the value and emphasis we place on a liberal education, that they pursue and develop extra- and co-curricular interests.  In fact, we enable and encourage it.

Brendan Miracle
on drums
I was reminded of this at the Blugold Marching Band (BMB) homecoming pregame concert at Carson Park Saturday afternoon, where three of our geography students – Drew Briski (cymbals), Brendan Miracle (snare drum), and Adam Wysocki (trombone) – and 300 musicians united in their big, band sound. Percussion and trombones were among highlighted sections.  What a blast!   How great to have musical skills and the opportunities to share them.  Jacob Walter (bass drum) is also in the BMB but was in Oregon with Ezra Zeitler and the GEOG 368 class.  This makes me wonder about the other musicians that pass through our department and whether we could have a Geography and Anthropology Band.  (Speaking of music, geographers Ben Possi ('14) and Bill Hamilton ('08 or so) each played in bands that performed at the Thursday night Sounds like Summer concerts in Phoneix Park this past season).

Anyway, thank you Adam, Brendan and Drew and all of our students who share their talents and interests with campus and community.  We look forward to learning more about them and supporting you as you work hard to balance the many important parts of your lives as students.

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