Student Profile: Daniel Terrebonne

by Michelle Noel

What level of degree are you pursuing and in which field of study?

I am pursuing my Master’s Degree in Music with a concentration in conducting and I am also completing my teaching certification in Instrumental Education through UL’s alternate certification program.

What groups and/or activities have you been involved in on campus?
In my six years at UL, I have been apart of many groups and organizations during both my undergraduate and graduate level studies. I was a member of the school's honors program during my undergraduate degree. I was a member of the Pride of Acadiana for four years during my undergraduate years, as well. I have also been a member of the Wind Ensemble for five years, including three years as the principal horn. I have been in the University Symphony Orchestra for six years and have been the principal horn for four of those years. I was a member of the university's student brass quintet, Echelon, for one year. Most recently I have been fulfilling duties as the graduate assistant and staff coordinator for the University Band Department and Pride of Acadiana here at UL.

  
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to go out and teach band at the high school and middle school levels. I eventually would like to move into teaching on the collegiate level and plan to earn my doctorate to make this goal a reality. I do not want to rush into my doctoral degree, however, and would like professional experience as a teacher before taking that step.

When pursuing either of your degrees here at UL Lafayette, what do you feel were your biggest accomplishments?
One of my biggest accomplishments here at UL were receiving my Bachelor’s Degree. It took a lot of hard work and devotion to complete and was a major milestone in my life. Another accomplishment that ranks high in my list was getting to come back as a graduate assistant and having the opportunity to lead the ensembles that were such a meaningful part of my undergraduate experience.

If you were to return to UL in 5-10 years, what changes/improvements would you like to see (in any part of the school or technology-wise)?
Well, first off, I would hope to see that all the renovations and construction have finally slowed down. Also, something must be done about the drainage on campus. I have had to trudge through lakes of rainwater many times while walking to class in the rain. I would like to see that the students in the School of Music have a more complete lab that meets their needs for individual projects. It has come a long way since I first started here at UL but could still use improvements to the amount of tools that are at their disposal.

What is your fondest memory while attending school at UL?
My fondest memory while attending UL is having the opportunity to travel with two hundred and fifty of my closest friends to New York as members of the Pride of Acadiana to march in the 2012 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

How have your professor(s) impacted you as a person, as a professional, or both?
My professors have taught me that it is only through hard work and determination that one can reach their goals in life. You must be a person of integrity and also someone who is compassionate and takes the time to help a fellow student or colleague who is struggling or in need. They have also taught me that if you want something in life, do not let others dictate whether you can achieve it or not. Go out and set your mind towards your goal and never stop working towards it even once you have surpassed your initial goals. Always strive to be a better person, teacher, mentor, student, and colleague and ALWAYS wear red!