Five questions with Shining Graduate Gerald Rogers (BMus '20)

Gerald Rogers (BMus ’20; trombone) auditioned and was selected to be a participant in the 2020 National Youth Band of Canada and was selected as a participant in the Denis Wick Canadian Wind Ensemble. While these events couldn’t take place in person, Gerald did perform a virtual concert alongside classmates Hana Hubley (tuba) and Anton Lindenblatt (euphonium).

We asked Gerald about his uLethbridge experience:

What is your most memorable uLethbridge experience?

This is a hard question to answer, simply because I've had so many memorable experiences at the University of Lethbridge. Two travel related experiences are the opportunities I had to go to the Jazz Education Network conference in Dallas in 2018 with the jazz ensemble, and see several world-renowned jazz artists perform, as well as attend sessions which inspired me to begin composing and arranging, as well as to begin rehearsing with the Jazz Sextet at the university. I think my most memorable experience though was getting the chance to travel to Taiwan with the wind orchestra, and perform at the Chiayi International Band Festival in December of 2018.

Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your time at uLethbridge?

I could easily list just about any professor I had in my time in the music department here, but without a doubt the person who had the most influence on my time was Nick Sullivan. Aside from being a fantastic teacher, it was clear from my first days of my degree that he cares immensely for each and every one of his students, and in my time he was incredibly supportive, often encouraging me to take on additional projects that I may have been feeling unsure about, as well as working to find performance opportunities for all his students wherever possible.

What is the most important lesson you learned?

I think one of the most important lessons I learned is that it never hurts to be a well-rounded individual, not only as a musician, but as a person as a whole. I found that several of the courses I took as liberal education requirements often taught me lessons that were applicable in my musical studies, often in ways that I didn't expect when I registered for these courses.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I hope to pursue a Master's degree in music, ideally with a focus in trombone performance or music theory.

What advice would you give to students who are about to begin their post-secondary journeys?

Don't be afraid of taking any opportunities that come your way, or making your own opportunities. Whether that's joining an ensemble or club or whatever it may be, or starting one with your peers, the best thing to do is to get involved and soak up as much as possible during your time at the University. Additionally, don't be afraid to reach out to professors for guidance or advice. Every professor I had in my time at the university was more than willing to assist during their office hours, with any matter of questions.