Interview: Jeremy Pampo

1.What made you decide to come to Rutgers?

I really liked the amount of options it gave me, especially in majors, extracurricular activities, and places to eat.

2. What has your Rutgers experience been like so far (extra curriculars, favorite classes, etc.)?

I’ve been in Pep Band since Freshman year and joined Marching Band this year, and through these groups, I made a lot of friends and a lot of great memories. My favorite class so far has been Introduction to Sociology, as it really opened my eyes to what shapes people. All of my favorite experiences during my time at Rutgers so far have come from being involved in band, whether it be watching the basketball team pull out a victory against a good team or spending hours at SHI stadium practicing field shows with a great group of people.

3. What made you choose your instrument?

Initially, I chose saxophone in 5th grade because I didn’t enjoy playing flute in 4th grade. The alto saxophone was easy to pick up, and also allowed me to express myself the best. I then switched to tenor sax in high school so that I could be involved in Jazz Band as a freshman. I stuck with tenor sax ever since because I ended up spending the most time in high school playing tenor as opposed to other varieties of saxophone. I just really liked how it let me express myself.

4. What made you decide to join Mu Beta Psi?

I’m not really a social person, but I really enjoy having a small group of people that I know very well. Mu Beta Psi gave me that in the form of my very talented Brothers who all share a passion for music. I saw that that’s what they were like and was hooked.

5. What has being in Mu Beta Psi been like for you?

It’s awesome to have gotten to know this group of people, and I have had a lot of responsibilities already as a Publicity Manager. I have had a lot of fun in this organization so far.

6. Do you have a favorite memory in Mu Beta Psi?

My favorite memory comes from my first rush event as a Publicity Manager. It was a craft night, and we had paint bottles laying around. When it came time to clean up, one of the Brothers threw a paint bottle for me to catch, but it missed my hand, opening on contact with the ground. Even worse, I did not know where it landed and ended up stepping on it, squirting more paint everywhere. We then spent the next 30 minutes scrubbing the orange paint off the carpet floor, which was a fun bonding activity.

7. What do you like to do in your free time?

Play video games. Right now I play a lot of Guitar Hero and occasionally Tetris.

8. Do you have any advice for anyone interested in joining Mu Beta Psi or looking to get more involved?

Just do it! You will always regret not doing things, and there will always be great memories to be had when you get involved.