Destiny King Major: Music Education, minor in Arts Administration

Hometown

Zebulon, NC

High School

East Wake High School

Major(s)

Music Education, minor in Arts Administration

Career Plans & Goals

My future career plan entails being either a general music teacher or middle school band director within North Carolina. I aspire to teach for a few years before returning for a masters in Music Education out-of-state.

Activities:

Extracurriculars I’m part of include: Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD), Collegiate State Board for cNAFME, and Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI).

Why did you choose UNCG and specifically UNCG for the Arts?

UNCG’s music program was a place I felt welcomed, seen, and a place I could see myself making continuous growth at. Meeting figureheads such as Dr. Askew and CVPA Ambassadors during audition days, Junior Day, and other events such as the Carolina Band Festival, helped me confirm my decision to attend. UNCG is an minority-serving institution which was important for me not only as a student, but as a future educator. I adore working in environments that I can make the greatest difference in which is Title I schools and organizations who serve those communities. Being at an institution who makes it their goal to recognize and embrace diversity, and what that looks like in our respected career fields, is what made me most attracted to UNCG.

Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?

I’m where I thought I was going to be from when I first came to campus Fall of 2019. Before arriving on campus, I had researched organizations, spoke to current students, and figured out a game plan – loosely – of what my years were going to look like at UNCG. My biggest goal was to be part of a fraternity or sorority, serve an organization, get a job on campus, and grow on my instrument and as an educator. Fortunately, through our inspiring faculty and departments on campus, I feel fully supported that all of my goals and aspirations leading up to this point have been met.

Peak experience?

A peak experience includes my concerts with the Symphonic Band for the academic school year of 2019-2020. Being remote has especially helped me realize how much we have taken playing with friends and being able to make music for granted. The atmosphere of concert season, passing practice rooms of music making, and all things that partake in ensemble rehearsals are memories I deeply miss. Being part of an ensemble are memories I have not forgotten since my first band concert in third grade. It has definitely been the peak of my experience at UNCG, and I cannot wait to be part of and attend in-person concerts once again!

What surprised you?

A surprise for me is realizing how busy Music Education majors are sophomore year of college. The workload and rigor you’re expected to be at is higher than freshman year, but it is to make us into the educators we aspire to be. You’re always told how busy Music Education students are, but it is always a shock (which means rigorous planning within Google Calendar) each semester when adjusting to your new schedule. A recommendation in terms of organization is to have multiple planners (an online and physical planner) and set alarms before events that do not occur often (I.e. an office hour meeting with a professor).

Who helped you get to where you are now?

My grandmother is my number one fan and why I am here today. From completing writing and math workbooks on the weekends in elementary school, to additional help and motivation on college and scholarship applications, she has always been there for me. Coming from a place where the majority of my intermediate and extended family haven’t gone to college made the process a bit more difficult. However, having my grandmother who not only went to college, but obtained her master’s degree while raising two kids on her own is what motivated me to continue my education post-graduation of high school. I wouldn’t be here today without her by my side.

What do you think you will miss the most after you graduate?

I will miss playing my instrument, working with Dr. Barret, and participating in ensembles. Being an educator leaves many of us without the opportunity to play as often as we did in college. Playing the oboe with friends, as much as I do in college, will be something I definitely miss the most.

Advice for the incoming class?

Take time for yourself. It is incredibly cliche, but time for self-care seems so limited freshman year and throughout college. It is super easy to get wrapped in college courses and homework, but making time for yourself is essential in being the best version of you while in college.

Describe the moment you knew you UNCG was for you (or alternatively the moment you knew you were in the right major):

Creating my final project for my Foundations to Music Education class is when I knew I was in the right major. Leading up to that point, it was so much fun creating lessons on recorder, but putting together what music meant to me and what my teacher philosophy is, re-ignited my passion that was already there for Music Education.

Your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the gardens outside the School of Music. My favorite memories include studying for the MIT exam with my big, Solange Maughn. The atmosphere of soft music playing and nature gives the positive vibes I need throughout the day!

Your favorite professor or class and why?

My favorite professor is Dr. Barret. I am, of course, biased by having an oboe concentration, but she is one the big reasons I am studying at the School of Music. She has given me the confidence that has always been there, but was too scared to come out due to my own insecurities. She helped me realize my worth not only as a performer, but as a person as well. I couldn’t thank her enough for giving me a chance to be part of her studio and the School of Music!