Leaving home
Continuing my education at Durham University was a daunting idea. Having to leave my home life behind and start fresh, I was apprehensive about the opportunities that lay ahead.
Music and singing have been the largest and most enjoyable part of my life since I was young, performing in pantomimes, musicals, attending choirs and even teaching junior choir were just some of the things I had taken part in growing up. Having to say goodbye to my friends there and move to university, thinking that music was no longer going to be as large a part of my life was undeniably upsetting.
College brought the music
Upon getting to Durham University and moving into my college John Snow, I had no idea of the societies or opportunities available to me. It wasn’t until a karaoke night hosted by the John Snow music society, in my college bar, that I was made aware of this group. After performing some classic karaoke songs, I was approached by the Music Society president and invited to come to the vocal group. I was thrilled! I attend the vocal group every Tuesday, and it became my favourite part of the week. To be able to continue what I love to do at college meant so much to me, and to be able to make new friends and perform again was exciting. I was lucky enough to take part in college events such as the charity showcase and multiple open mic nights, all of these opening my eyes to more opportunities to do with singing alone, but also: musical theatre groups, a cappella choirs, chapel choirs, jazz bands and so many more.
That was just the start
Upon entering my second year at Durham University, and gaining some confidence within the music society, I decided that I wanted to apply to join the exec. My biggest issue with the society the year prior was that it wasn’t very well promoted; we didn’t have many members, we didn’t do many performances outside of John Snow, and I thought if music was such a big part of my life, I want new students to know about these opportunities, as they will feel the same. This led me to apply for the role of outreach officer, in this role I would be able to work with my college JCR outreach officer, to organise events withing in John Snow, but also externally. Thankfully I was successful with my application, and attended my first exec meeting the week after, to share my ideas and learn more about my role.
Now I’m on the exec
Music is now an even bigger part of my university life, and I feel so grateful to be able to organise and coordinate events outside of university and with other college music groups. Now able to provide new and existing students the chance to show off their musical skills, and for us to all keep practicing what we love, is such a great feeling.
Durham University has such a large number of societies, there is something to cater for everyone. I strongly encourage all new and existing students to investigate the opportunities available to them, so you can carry the hobbies you love, or even find new ones!
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