We have some amazing percussion students here at WP, and this page is a place where you can get to know them a little better.
Meet Isabella DiPisa, a Music & Entertainment Industries Major:
What is it about percussion that excites you?
Honestly? The act of hitting something. I know that sounds super aggressive and I’m not an aggressive person, but I started percussion at the tail end of my 9-year softball career in elementary-middle school, so it was really interesting to transition from hitting a ball with a bat to hitting a drum with a stick. So, I guess it’s the execution of percussion has always excited me. It’s a very exciting, unique family of instruments!
When did you start in percussion and what are some of your favorite early experiences?
I started later than a lot of my peers— I started percussion the last week of the 7th grade. I was kind of thrown into it (I asked my mom if I could take drum set lessons and instead, I was taken to my high school’s band room— best decision she ever made for me ever, hands down), but I am so happy I got to do it! My favorite early experiences are mainly from my first year in band because it was such a positive change in my life. I made life-long friends and got to fall in love with marching band, something I took so much pride in and still do!
What is a typical day like for you at WP?
A typical day for me at WP consists of a lot of running back and forth between Hunzi (Hunzkier Hall— where music classes are held) and Shea (music building). Between rehearsals I often see friends and end up hanging out with them for a little bit before I go rehearse with other friends in my ensembles. It’s a lot of music in a day, but I never get tired of it. It’s also a lot to juggle but after my first year I got used to it. There’s also the aspect offsetting homework and practicing into the busy mix, but I try my best to make it work!
Do you have a favorite percussion instrument? If so, why do you gravitate towards that instrument?
The drum set! I had wanted to play it since I was 3 years old, and it took me almost a decade to get there, but to this day it is my favorite. That and the marching snare drum and marching tenors. My love for marching band has only grown since I graduated high school.
Why did you choose the MEI major?
I was originally a BA Music Studies major doubling up with English Literature. When I realized how unconventional a path that would be in terms of my degree completion/future goals, I switched over to MEI because, out of all the Bachelors of Music offered, it interested me the most/aligned the most with what I wanted to do in my future. It’s a really immersive program, and Professor Philp has given me invaluable guidance over the years.
What do you hope to be doing in 5 years from now with your career?
I hope to be happy! Whether I’m in an office or at a venue (or both, somehow), I hope to still be playing my instrument and hopefully even gig/still take lessons. Maybe I’ll be looking into grad school. Maybe I won’t! Maybe I’ll still be teaching marching band. Whatever combination of these ‘what ifs” my future holds, I hope it is fulfilling and that I am happy/at ease!
Do you have any advice for high school students who are looking to audition at WP?
Ask every question you have! There is no penalty to you getting in if you ask a thousand questions; asking questions shows your interest and the faculty here really care about their students. It’s a collaborative school across all aspects of the music department, so any question you have (whether you’re a prospective jazz student asking a classical question, or vice versa) can be answered! Also take up every opportunity you have right now. If you’re offered a free lesson, do it! A tour? Take it up! Immerse yourself in where you want to go so you know what it will be like before you get there, whether it’s at WP or elsewhere. Best of luck to you and your future!
William Paterson University Percussion 