Q&A with Charmaine Manzano
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
At the time, I was torn between majoring in music education or exercise science. I knew that both options had awesome professors and programs, so no matter what I chose, I'd be in good hands. When I chose to major in music, my professors were very knowledgeable and encouraging and even gave me pointers and advice during my audition. Now, I get to collaborate with some awesome people in multiple ensembles, such as the Pride of the South, where I am a member of the drumline, Wind Ensem.
At the time, I was torn between majoring in music education or exercise science. I knew that both options had awesome professors and programs, so no matter what I chose, I'd be in good hands. When I chose to major in music, my professors were very knowledgeable and encouraging and even gave me pointers and advice during my audition. Now, I get to collaborate with some awesome people in multiple ensembles, such as the Pride of the South, where I am a member of the drumline, Wind Ensem.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
There's a lot more to being a music major than playing music and learning how to play instruments. You could learn about the history of music, the theory behind it, world music cultures, and music technology, while also having opportunities to perform. There are so many classes and events offered that can spark your interest in a specific music field you may want to pursue in the future. It all may seem overwhelming for a while, but with dedication and passion, it will all be worth it in the end.
There's a lot more to being a music major than playing music and learning how to play instruments. You could learn about the history of music, the theory behind it, world music cultures, and music technology, while also having opportunities to perform. There are so many classes and events offered that can spark your interest in a specific music field you may want to pursue in the future. It all may seem overwhelming for a while, but with dedication and passion, it will all be worth it in the end.
Why is your department a special place?
The music department is a special place to me because you're in a building with people who share the same interest as you—music. You get to collaborate with faculty and your peers on interesting pieces, whether it's a solo, chamber group, or large ensemble. You're also surrounded by students and faculty who always ask you, "How's your day going?" "What are you working on?" or a simple "Hey, how are you?"
The music department is a special place to me because you're in a building with people who share the same interest as you—music. You get to collaborate with faculty and your peers on interesting pieces, whether it's a solo, chamber group, or large ensemble. You're also surrounded by students and faculty who always ask you, "How's your day going?" "What are you working on?" or a simple "Hey, how are you?"
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
My percussion studio professor, Professor Ricky Burkhead, definitely had the most impact on me during my time at Ole Miss. He has always pushed and encouraged me to improve and do things I never thought I would've been able to do. Professor Burkhead is also someone I can look to and trust with helping me become a better musician, person, and future educator. I have enjoyed having a professor who genuinely cares about their students' growth from a personal and performance aspect, whether it's building confidence to perform or refining mallet percussion techniques.
My percussion studio professor, Professor Ricky Burkhead, definitely had the most impact on me during my time at Ole Miss. He has always pushed and encouraged me to improve and do things I never thought I would've been able to do. Professor Burkhead is also someone I can look to and trust with helping me become a better musician, person, and future educator. I have enjoyed having a professor who genuinely cares about their students' growth from a personal and performance aspect, whether it's building confidence to perform or refining mallet percussion techniques.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
As of right now, I plan on pursuing a Masters in Music Education or Music Performance in Percussion at Ole Miss after my undergrad. I may start off teaching high school, but my end goal is to be a percussion studio professor or a college band director.
As of right now, I plan on pursuing a Masters in Music Education or Music Performance in Percussion at Ole Miss after my undergrad. I may start off teaching high school, but my end goal is to be a percussion studio professor or a college band director.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
One thing I wish I could tell my incoming-freshman self is to work on time management and procrastination. It would not be wise to wait until the last minute to complete a PowerPoint presentation or an essay because you thought that practicing for longer than usual would have been fine. (It wasn't. You ended up staying up until 4 AM to finish an essay due 6 hours later.)
One thing I wish I could tell my incoming-freshman self is to work on time management and procrastination. It would not be wise to wait until the last minute to complete a PowerPoint presentation or an essay because you thought that practicing for longer than usual would have been fine. (It wasn't. You ended up staying up until 4 AM to finish an essay due 6 hours later.)
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