Meet Aslen Whitmore: Aslen is a fourth year biology student going into the pre-med field who grew up in Nampa, Idaho. Even though Aslen isn’t a music major, leading the Blue Thunder marching band as drum major was one of the most important factors in choosing Boise State.
When weighing her options and what she wanted to get out of her college experience, there were many things to consider. But ultimately, Aslen knew that Blue Thunder was one of the best in the Northwest and she realized she wanted to be part of it.
Video Transcript: Aslen’s Story
Aslen Whitmore: I’m Aslen Whitmore. I’m a fourth-year biology student. I’m going into the pre-med field, and I grew up here in Nampa.
I think the marching band here is the biggest thing that influenced my decision to come to Boise State. One thing that makes Blue Thunder stand out to me, compared to other marching bands, is just that we’re known for being one of the best in the Northwest. Blue Thunder’s kind of got a name for itself.
I think when a band plays and you hear just that live music, where you can just feel the sound, I don’t think there’s anything like it as far as getting everyone all riled up for the game.
I’m not a music major. That kind of environment is not typical of a marching band. A big majority of marching band students aren’t music majors, and it’s not their whole life. It’s just something we do because we love it. So I think being able to explore different avenues, even when other people don’t, even when they’re notorious for taking up a lot of time, I think it’s still so worth it to kind of break out of that box that everyone else is in.
We still have a lot of discipline, and we still have really high expectations for ourselves. And I think that kind of rigor that goes into that really translates to everything else.
I think marching band was the primary reason I chose to come to Boise State. But Honors College kind of made it possible for me to finance it. And I’m really, really grateful for that because I got some really nice scholarships through the Honors College. I was able to pay for everything that way.
Honestly, I don’t know what my experience would have been like at Boise State if I didn’t have such a tight-knit group that was kind of handed to me. I think the best part of the Thunder is that you kind of get a friend group just by default. The way it’s set up by sections, you’re grouped into your instruments. You do sectionals with them, you hang out with them outside of band. That’s why I think it’s so important that each section, like, blends so well. And when we do fun things, like where they all go to IHOP after games and, and have, you know, group hangouts on the weekends, it just builds those close relationships.
I think the biggest takeaway for me in being drum major and the opportunity to mentor others is just how much you learn when you teach. Being in leadership is totally… it applies to everything. And being in command of 200 people, it helps me not feel anxious when I’m under pressure in other situations, and it just—I feel like it just totally translates to any other position where I need to kind of step up. Our job description is just to bring the energy.
If there’s something that interests you, like just do it, and there’s nothing that stops you. You don’t have to just go along with whatever people tell you to do. This is my college experience. I would never, never go back and change the way I did it.
To me, being a “Bronco Blue Turf Thinker” means that no matter what box somebody else puts me in, I can always break it and make my own.
Finding Your People
In addition to getting to do something she loves, Blue Thunder introduced Aslen to a built-in community of friends with shared interests. This was a really important benefit coming into her first year at Boise State. Aslen felt like she could instantly make friends without going way out of her comfort zone. The way that Blue Thunder is organized “facilitat[ed] a culture, with teamwork and trust.” Aslen found connections through the band that extended beyond practice and games, building close relationships along the way.
A Passion for Leading Others
Being in a leadership position on Blue Thunder is yet another rewarding part of the experience for Aslen. Through her position in the band, Aslen learned how to lead 200 people, an invaluable skill set that translates to many other aspects of her life, both personally and academically.
“I think the biggest takeaway for me in being a major and the opportunity to mentor others is just how much you learn when you teach.”
Aslen finds that this new skill has prepared her for many scenarios, whether it be handling her anxiety under pressure or even taking charge in the classroom by leading when it comes to class projects and research.
Thinking Outside the Box
“If there’s something that interests you, just do it and there’s nothing that stops you.”
Aslen Whitmore
While Blue Thunder became a pivotal part of Aslen’s experience at Boise State, it may not have been the most obvious choice at the jump. After all, Aslen is pursuing a challenging major that is unrelated to music – Biology. But, according to Aslen, that’s something that is so unique about Blue Thunder; many of the students that participate aren’t music majors.
“A big majority of marching band students aren’t music majors and it’s not their whole life. It’s just something we do because we love it. It’s not something I need for a degree requirement.”
Aslen Whitmore
Thinking outside of the box and exceeding expectations have been both motivating and rewarding for Aslen in her journey here at Boise State. Through Blue Thunder, Aslen gained invaluable experience and countless friendships, all while getting to do something she loves. Aslen loves music and science, so why not do both?
Interested in joining the band? Take a page from Aslen’s book!
Your Future Starts Here
Picture yourself commanding the spotlight at iconic events and thrilling football games. Boise State’s Blue Thunder Marching Band is the opportunity to share your passion with Bronco Nation! Audition now to showcase your musical prowess and be part of a legacy that echoes through our campus.
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