Now I know what you are thinking: "Jacque, being a music major is nothing like the Hunger Games. Have you even seen the movies or read the books?" The answer to that is yes, but just hear me out okay? I realize there is not the death and violence, (I am assuming at least, marching band can get a little violent) but there are similarities. That is why I am here to shine some light on you none music majors into the hectic and chaotic world of the music major Hunger Games.
1. Competitors
Some music majors have been training most of their lives to become top level competitors in the music world similar to to the tributes from the richer districts. Unlike the other students who may have strengths of their own but had not practiced for this type of world. When faced with the elite group, no matter how good you become you are always looked at as the lesser tribute. For example compare Cato of District 2 to Katniss of District 12. Even though Katniss is a worthy rival she was over shadowed by the larger and stronger Cato.
2. Unexpected Friendships
Remember the first day of classes and not knowing anyone? Well I sure do. I was surrounded by these people who all had the same goal as me in mind but I was too intimidated to talk to anyone. There were the smart kids who knew everything making me feel like an idiot and there were the others who were in a similar boat as me, just floating around lost and confused. I can say from experience that as time and classes go on the closer you and your peers get. Like Katniss and Rue, the underdogs of the Hunger Games, you and your friends have to seek out new ways to survive the first year of college as a music major. Whether it be a late night study session for music theory or making sure you find your dot in marching band without getting the disapproving looks from the upper class men. You stick together until the end and these are the people you stay by your side.
3. Getting The Superiors Attention
I go through this every year. We music majors are expected to stand in front of our professors and show them what we have learned. This can be extremely intimidating and when you are not one of the top performers it can be extremely annoying as well. Many of us would do almost anything to get the attention like some of our peers. Lord help you if you are at the end of the list for performing because by then your professors had already listened to every other music major and nearly checked out. Honestly I can't blame them but that's besides the point. If it were acceptable for us to shoot an arrow at the professor's food we'd do it. Because if you did not already know we music majors always have a bow and arrow like Katniss. What? Being a music major is cut throat.
4. Not Everyone Makes It
Many do not realize how tough being a music major can be. We dedicate our entire lives to becoming a successful musician. We spend hours practicing, more hours in ensembles on top of all of the classes and homework. This life is not made for everyone. Trust me, I've seen many people change majors because music was just not for them. It is much, much, more than just hanging out and jamming with your friends. As time goes by your class of music majors dwindles down to the last few survivors until you final reach the end, graduation. The simple truth to it all is that we're not all Katniss someone has to be the Rue.
5. Inner Major Dating = Dangerous
When I say dating someone with the same major as you is dangerous, I mean it. At first it may seem great because you have every class together and every ensemble. You get to spend soooo much time with each other. And you are probably wondering how that could be a bad thing. Well, when it comes to music it is always a competition whether it be for placement in the band or in the future looking for teaching jobs. This is quite similar to the relationship between Peeta and Katniss because they were forced to fight for their lives against each other until the end and luckily they happened to find some poisonous berries so they escaped certain death. Look, I'm not saying inner major dating won't work out, it's just really dangerous and don't even get me started on what happens if you two break up. We all know how things became really awkward between Katniss and Gail.
6. Mentors
Music majors put a lot of time and effort into music. But, who is it that guides us on our journeys? Well that would be our trusty instructors who from day one teach us the ways of being a musician. Each instrument could be described as its own district and our instructor is the survivor of their Hunger Games. We look to them for advice, they encourage us to do our best and they tell us when we are being stupid. If it were not for them none of us would ever survive the music Hunger Games, so make sure to thank them in your next lesson.
7. Determination is Key
Determination. Without it we would never make it in the music world. There are so many ups and downs when becoming a music major. Thoughts of self doubt fill many of our heads but yet we push on because we know that we cannot give up. We lock ourselves away for hours trying to get that section of a solo just right because you know you have to. We know that we can better ourselves and by doing so this allows us to stay strong. Did Katniss want to give up? Yes. But did she? No. If you give up on yourself you'll never go far.
8. You Never Forget the People You Meet
As I go into my final year of college I have been reflecting on all of the memories I have made while attending NSU. Over the last three years, I have met so many fantastic people that have truly changed my life. I will never forget the people who helped me become the person I am today. When graduation does finally arrive my friends and I will all go our separate ways and some of us may never see each other again. But even if we do not see each other we will not forget the memories we have built throughout the years. I owe everything to my friends and they will always be important to me. And all I can say to them is thank you. Thank you for staying by my side and pushing me to become the best person I can be.
So there you have it, a few reasons to why being a music major is similar to being in the Hunger Games. Now carry on my friends and may the odds be ever in your favor!
