1.What made you decide to come to Rutgers?
When originally applying for schools, I was not sure of my major, but I had an interest in business. I also wanted a totally different atmosphere compared to high school, so another reason is because of the Marching Band and the many new people I would be able to meet compared to at my home town where everyone knew everyone else since kindergarten. At the same time, I also wanted a new home to fall in love with. Therefore, it is a double benefit that I go to school somewhat close to home along with being able to go to school with my brother. With a larger school, I would also be able to enjoy my hobbies and find new interests.
2. What has your Rutgers experience been like so far (extra curriculars, favorite classes, etc.)?
With the large difference to high school where you have a specific schedule everyday, with the differences in class times, there are always new activities to fill your time. With my time at Rutgers, I have been able to join the Marching Band, Pep Band, and of course Mu Beta Psi. All of these organizations might be music related, however I have been able to meet and find new friends. At Rutgers my favorite class would have to be Calculus I. It seems like a really hard class, but when getting into groups with friends and getting to know others within recitation, the difficulty doesn’t seem as hard. On campus there are always different activities to go to so campus life is never boring. I have been able to participate in Relay for Life, Scarlet Day of Service, haunted houses, escape rooms, and smaller events like making facial masks.
3. What made you choose your instrument?
My first instrument I learned is the clarinet. At the time I didn’t know much about music so I mainly chose through recommendations and what other people played. Instrumental music classes in school started in fourth grade. I originally wanted to copy my brother and play the trumpet, however trumpets were out of the price range my parents wanted to pay at the moment especially since my brother already had one. In the end, I picked to play the clarinet because my mother used to play it. Later on, in 6th grade everyone started playing a second instrument, therefore I decided for myself to learn to play the flute. With the flute, I was able to learn using my cousin’s flute which she no longer used. I learned how to play the alto saxophone because I wanted to join the high school jazz band. In the band, they didn’t allow clarinet or flute players to join and you had to play specific instruments. In the end, it gave me the opportunity to play a third instrument and enjoy jazz music. Finally I was introduced to the piccolo when there was a piccolo part in my high school’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. Through this production, I was able to play all 4 of the mentioned instruments.
4. What made you decide to join Mu Beta Psi?
I joined Mu Beta Psi because I wanted to find a community that I can get close to which has a similar interest, which in this case is music. At first I was looking into a Professional Fraternity mainly for networking since I am in the Business school, however I wanted to join an organization which was both an interest and enjoyable.
5. What has being in Mu Beta Psi been like for you?
During my time so far in Mu Beta Psi, the one thing I loved the most is getting to meet new people. In Marching Band, I usually tend to only talk within the section, however joining made me leave my comfort zone. Because of this I was able to meet so many new people and Alumni Brothers that have the same love for music.
6. Do you have a favorite memory in Mu Beta Psi?
With many memories made and many to come, my favorite memory is traveling to Washington D.C. with Brothers, including Gianna Pizzutillo. There we had a fun time meeting other Brothers that go to American University along with sight seeing. A favorite memory from the trip was being able to be there on Gianna’s first train ride.
7. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing video games, and hanging out with my friends. When I am in the mood to explore I on occasion play my brother’s trumpet for fun.
8. Do you have any advice for anyone interested in joining Mu Beta Psi or looking to get more involved?
My advice is to not be afraid of going out of your comfort zone. If you are thinking of joining an organization of people who you may not know, it will give you the opportunity to meet new forever friends.