Brandon Guenther is an Instrumental Music Education major from Owatonna, Minnesota. He performed with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra and the Gustavus Chamber Winds. Professor Karrin Meffert-Nelson says: “Brandon has a bright future ahead of him in the music profession! Brandon has so much joy when creating and learning about music and that energy infuses into his clarinet playing and conducting.”
We asked Brandon about his time at Gustavus and his goals for the future.
What are your plans for the future?
BG: “Teach band between grades 6-12. If not that I am looking into positions within colleges/universities in the Fine Arts or Student Affairs departments. I would also like to get a Masters in conducting or some sort of student leadership and development.”
What will you miss most about music at Gustavus?
BG: “The high rigor and drive that everyone holds in the ensembles and choirs. Everyone who is in music wants to be in music at Gustavus.”
What’s a favorite memory you have from studying music at Gustavus?
BG: “My favorite memory was being able to perform in band again with my older brother in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra my Freshman and Sophomore years.”
How have you grown in your time at Gustavus?
BG: “I have learned that quality is greater than quantity, in all aspects of life (who I am friends with, if I am getting a gift for someone, how I spend my days studying or socializing, etc.). Life is what I make of it, and I found how important it is to fill my life with people, experiences, and things that make me feel better and grow as a human!”
What do you look forward to most about life after Gustavus?
BG: “Traveling different parts of the U.S. and the rest of the world with my future family.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give high school students considering Gustavus?
BG: “It is said a lot, but time is messed up! Days drag on, weeks are slow, months go by ok, semesters fly by, and every year feels like snapping your fingers once. Time is long in the moment, so take advantage of the things “YOU” want to do and don’t take things for granted — your 4 years WILL go fast. Don’t just follow the crowd (unless you like it ?)… BE YOU!”
What has been your proudest moment in your time at Gustavus?
BG: “Becoming an Uncle of my 4 beautiful nieces. Obviously it is more incredible for my siblings to have had started their own families, but I have cherished every “few” moments I have experienced watching them grow. I am proud of my siblings, my mom and dad, and the fact that I am lucky enough to experience life so close to family.”
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Gustavus and why?
BG: “My most interesting class was my education practicum class because I received some of my practical experiences as a tutor and teacher for elementary and middle school. It has helped me as a teacher and with what grade level I want to teach.”