Stacey Uhm

Mr. Weaver,  

Thank you for reaching out to me so I can share a little bit about my experiences with band. I am happy to help. On a side note, can you believe that it’s been over 10 year since I first joined the Liberty HS band? Time flies! Here are my answers. Sorry if I ramble on.

How has being in band help you in preparing for your current life-path and career choice?

Choosing a career in medicine may seem like the farthest thing from music, but in reality, my endeavors and success in coming this far in my career have been built on a foundation of character, perseverance, and goal-driven work ethics that I developed in band. I’ve done band since middle school, and I played the clarinet for even longer (since 4th grade).

Being in band is a balance between doing well individually and as a team. If I did not pull my weight by practicing individually, it could hurt the whole team. Or if I decided I wanted to outshine everyone and play without listening to others, that could hurt the whole team. I learned how to keep my ears open to make sure I was being a part of the team, and I learned to be responsible for my assigned role. Communication is essential in a team, and this skill of communicating with my team members developed from my experiences in band. I had to communicate with the conductor to follow his or her lead. I had to communicate with my fellow musicians to harmonize with them. This skill is especially important in my current career choice of medicine because medicine is all about being a team player. I need to collaborate with not only other physicians but also other healthcare professionals in providing care for the patients.

Band has also taught me how to manage time well and be organized. I had to stay on top of my academic responsibilities because I had to practice individually, go to band practice, and also fulfill a leadership role in band. I developed a studying pattern that was efficient and effective for me, and this helped me transition into college and medical school when I had to also spend time doing research, volunteering, and extracurricular activities. Being a well-rounded person who can manage multiple responsibilities helped me get into the college and professional school I had dreamed for.  

Were there any lessons from band that helped you make it to where you are now?

Delayed gratification!!! I cannot emphasize enough how much music has made me into a more patient and goal-driven person! Music for me was a lot about putting in hours and hours of practice for a short 5 to 10-minute performance. To participate in competitions, I had to practice the same piece for months before I was even comfortable to play with a pianist or an orchestra. To perform for marching competitions, I had to spend months over the summer to put out the best musical performance while also physically moving on the field. To perform with the band, we had to practice as sections and then as a whole band for hours before we could put out a good concert. I had many times where I felt tired or sick of the same piece I had to repeatedly practice. Or there were times where I felt frustrated when I kept messing up on the same part every time. From the many times I’ve failed, I learned that it takes perseverance and patience to succeed. It felt indescribably amazing when I performed well or succeeded after putting in hours of practice.

This concept of delayed gratification is what I am going through currently. I am dedicating 4 years after college to become a physician. I will dedicate another 3-5 years after medical school to train as a resident. It’s a long time of studying and training, but I am able to say that I can persevere and be patient because I’ve done it in the past when I played music. I know that it will pay off, and that delayed gratification will be extra satisfying.

Lastly, I still remember what Mr. Weaver said to me my junior year. He said “Act like what you want to be, and you’ll be what you act”. I said this to myself at times when I had to step out of my comfort zone and “act” like the confident person I wanted to be. I reminded myself this when I wanted to quit and choose a different path. However, I want to be a successful, honest, well-rounded person who cares about others. Sometimes I have to remind myself to act like an honest, well-rounded, caring person, but I believe that I will be what I act if I continue to live like the person I want to become.  

Again, sorry if I rambled on! I started getting carried away with good memories and motivational thoughts as I was writing. Please use what you can salvage from these blocks of text.  

Good to hear from you and hope you stay safe!

Stacey