The Department of Performing Arts and Technology’s Spotlight Series showcases members of the Wolfpack and how they have included dance and music during their time at NC State experience and beyond. This month’s spotlight is on Roze Schenstrom, a third-year student from Brownfield, Maine. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in political science and intends to also earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental science.
Schenstrom is a sixth-semester NC State Symphonic Band member, and she serves on the concert band’s Concert Planning Committee. Audiences who have attended a recent Symphonic Band concert may recognize her artwork, which is featured at the top of the music ensemble’s digital concert programs. Schenstrom is also a current student employee, assisting the Department of Performing Arts and Technology with marketing and general outreach efforts. Her involvement doesn’t stop there. Schenstrom has joined the University Singers for the first time this semester.
“All of these experiences and many more to come have been such a huge part of brightening my time here at NC State, bringing together a community of kind, caring and passionate people who really just want to create something together,” Schenstrom explained. “I hope that the music groups can brighten the lives of many students as it has mine.”
Keep reading to learn more about Schenstrom’s experience as a musician at NC State.
| “Roze has been an exemplary member of the Symphonic Band for several years. She has also been a positive role model and member of the percussion section. Roze has taken it upon herself to make sure everyone has what they need and helps organize music and other materials for our ensemble. She spends countless hours preparing for the Symphonic Band Committee (leadership within the band) to help design and promote all aspects of our musical performances. Roze is also a very talented visual designer and has produced the Symphonic Band promotional posters for years. Roze always has a positive attitude and puts others’ needs above her own. I am proud to nominate Roze Schenstrum as this month’s Student Spotlight” Chris Branam, Director of the Symphonic Band |
Spotlight Q&A
What role does music play in your life?
For me music has always been a way to unwind, to transport into a different world where I can relax and forget about my to-do list, and express myself. Expression is not something that has ever been easy for me with words, but something that comes naturally through many different art forms. So having the opportunity in college to keep playing music with other people has really helped give me a strong sense of community
What has been a highlight of your experience as a musician at NC State?
One of the craziest dreams I may ever have had was wanting to learn the bagpipes, and one day randomly I happened upon a member of the NC State Pipes and Drums Band, an amazingly kind man who agreed to teach me the pipes. It was something I never expected I’d get the chance to do, but now I am practicing almost every day with the hope of one day playing in the band. Getting such a unique and longed after opportunity completely by chance is one of the many perks of being so involved with music here. I’ve gotten to have so many amazing experiences that I wouldn’t have if I was anywhere else.
How has music impacted your NC State experience?
Being able to make new friends and strengthen relationships with old ones is one of the many great things about DPAT. As a member of the percussion section in the Symphonic Band, helping set up and break down equipment every semester builds some really amazing bonds with people. It isn’t really about the music itself, what makes it so special to me is how we make music. Coming together from all different backgrounds and setting the rest of our lives aside for a couple hours, we are able to create something beautiful beyond what is in front of us. In all my time learning how to play an instrument, the real beauty comes from the silence, the space between notes when we all communicate with each other.
Another great thing about it is really just the laughs we get, all the little moments during rehearsal that make life more fun. Professor Branam is a one-of-a-kind spirit who can turn a bad day good again by cracking jokes while conducting, or pausing for a moment to just be a person. This is one of the biggest ways that music here has shaped me. It’s given me more than just a creative outlet, it’s been a life lesson—one that has eased many difficult days struggling through college. It’s been a privilege to share the rehearsal time with my classmates and professor.
Is there something related to your art form that you’re looking forward to?
As a girl with too many hobbies, I am very excited to be participating in University Singers for the first time. Otherwise I’m just gonna keep playing the drums and bagpipes and creating whatever my heart tells me.
What advice do you have for incoming students who are interested in participating in music at NC State?
Do it. Think and Do is the NC State motto, and while the thinking is important, I’d say don’t think too hard about getting involved. You won’t regret it no matter what performance group you join. It doesn’t even matter if you’ve played an instrument before, if you have an interest, give it a shot. Like any good conductor would say, “it doesn’t matter if you play the right note, as long as you play it proud and strong” so just go for it, play that note and find one of the many families I’m sure all students will find here.
You can watch Roze Schenstrom perform with the University Singers on April 11 and with the NC State Symphonic Band on April 17.
