Connecting through Music

Calvin Boman ’22 keeps himself busy by participating in five ensemble groups, three jobs, community theatre, and his schooling.

MMU: What role has music played in your life? What led you to pursue a degree in music?

CB: Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved to make music. General music class was my favorite in elementary school, and band and choir took its place through middle and high school. Music has always been a very large part of my life, but it didn’t seem like a viable option for my future. I initially had no idea what career path I would follow. I wanted to study music, but it seemed risky. There were people that urged me to pursue music that I’m really grateful for. That soothed some of my anxiety and insecurities, but at the end of the day, I thought about what really motivated me to learn and what I liked to learn about. The answers to those questions made it very clear to me what path to choose.

"I wanted to study music, but it seemed risky. There were people that urged me to pursue music that I’m really grateful for."

MMU: Why did you decide to attend Mount Mercy? What drew you to MMU’s music program over others?

CB: Mount Mercy was the only school I visited that made me feel secure about my interests and plans for the future. The staff and faculty at Mount Mercy were incredibly inviting and helpful. Beyond that, the faculty and directors in the music department were very engaged in making sure I felt confident about my major and the future that would come with it. I’d gotten to know the majority of the music department faculty before I even started classes. Being able to familiarize myself with the people I would be learning from was an experience I didn’t find at other schools I visited.

It also helped that the music directors have established reputations in the area. Kent Keating, director of show choir, has an impressive track record that follows him from school to school. As if his reputation was not enough already, he will also amaze you with his uplifting spirit, passion, and kindness.

MMU: What’s the biggest benefit you’ve seen of the music program so far? What is one aspect of the program that you really appreciate?

CB: The biggest benefit of this music program for me has been the ability to expand. Most music programs will ask, or even require you, to specialize. Going into college, I did not want to make a choice between outlets. At MMU I’ve been able to continue pursuing both voice and saxophone in as many forms as I see fit.

"The biggest benefit of this music program for me has been the ability to expand. Most music programs will ask, or even require you, to specialize."

Something I really appreciate about the MMU program is that it is small but mighty. The faculty are well decorated and talented, no doubt, but the small community allows for their undivided attention to be focused on your necessities when needed.

MMU: What ensembles are you a part of? How do you balance these commitments with your schooling, other organizations, and work?

CB: I am a member of the University Band, Jazz Band, University Choir, Jazz Choir (Jazz Connection), and University Show Choir. I also have three jobs and I perform in community/professional theater musicals in the area. Obviously, there are a lot of commitments behind those lists. However, I have not found it to be unreasonable to keep these commitments while succeeding in school. The directors of these groups are understanding, and they are willing to work with you on ways to make your participation in their ensembles possible.

Communication with my directors is always easy because their doors are always open. They want to see you succeed, and they are willing to go to great lengths to make sure that you do.

MMU: What has been your biggest challenge to date? How did you overcome it?

CB: My biggest challenge was my freshman year. I had way too many things going on, and I was struggling to keep up. The way I overcame my struggles with time management was by communicating with my directors to come up with schedules that suited me better. If not for their gracious allowances, and listening ears, I would not have been able to surmount the work piling up against me. Each student is different, and the faculty members understand and respect that. I owe my success to the strong community environment and mutual respect in this program.

MMU: What advice would you give to future students or what is something you wish you would have known sooner?

CB: Talk to your directors and fellow students. There is a very strong sense of community on campus. Getting to know the people you work with, and getting involved are the easiest ways to tap into that energy and enjoy your time at MMU. There are so many things you can learn from just visiting with the people at MMU. Staff, faculty, students, and the administration all have valuable pieces of wisdom for you, and I strongly encourage you to reach out to them and learn from them.