Collegiate Experience

Homecoming at Luther. A celebration of Luther Norse tradition, cheerful golf tournaments, student concerts, and a whole bunch of middle aged to elderly folks reliving their glory years in the beautiful confines of Decorah. Or more specifically, Luther, which has been overrun by alumni the past 24 hours.

Today I participated in something that I haven't done for about 3 years. I went to a Luther football game. Well, one half of a Luther football game. I left at halftime to take notes on revolutionary thought in 19th century Russia. But that's besides the point. The point is, I found it a titch underwhelming. Which is sort of what I expected, I suppose. But I've been trying to think of why. The issue? I think it's lack of an athletic tradition. Football is not exactly Luther's strong suit. Never has been. As a result of that, and of the fact that we are a division III school, Luther football games lack a certain je ne sais quoi. Let's maybe compare a few things. First, let's look at Luther's venerable Carlson Stadium, the new Minnesota stadium, and the "Big House" at Michigan.





Obviously, there is a bit of a discrepancy. Of course, Minnesota and Michigan are division I Big 10 schools (though you couldn't tell by the Gopher's record). But definitely, there is a different atmosphere. And a different set of priorities. And you know what, I think that's okay.

I've been privileged enough to be raised in what I would consider 3 different collegiate environments. First, I grew up with the tradition of the University of Minnesota, thanks to my dad. I went to the games, attended homecoming, heard the marching band, and got sort of caught up in the spirit of the college. Secondly, I've attended Luther, which is definitely has a distinct identity and spirit, but is much more focused on the mission and academics of the college. And thirdly, I've been privy to the University of Nottingham, which is somewhat like Minnesota in terms of size, but with an emphasis on the city and region. Although I grew up in the beautiful tradition of Minnesota, I've definitely become close to Luther and Notts.

But even so, I do still sometimes find myself wishing I had that traditional, large college experience. The tailgating, marching in the band playing fight songs, winning one for the gipper, all of that jazz. I have a strong feeling for Minnesota still, no doubt. But as I was watching Luther fumble its way across the field today (we did end up winning though), I decided I could live with what I chose. We may be lacking in the football department, but Luther definitely makes up in the intangibles.

Last night, jazz orchestra played a gig in Marty's. And it was fun. No doubt. A ton of people showed up. And they were dancing, and they were rowdy, and they were ready to listen to some jazz. And I was more than happy to oblige. It felt so good, to be able to play for an excited crowd. And to see people dance. I may be movement challenged when it comes to the contemporary scene, but there are few things more beautiful than the act of improvisation in swing dance. It made me sad that I've been too busy to go to swing club. Needless to say, I had a really good time on Friday night. I'm looking forward to kicking it up for our next concert. And in the spring, we're playing Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue, the original Ellington arrangement. Intense.

This week, you ask? More copious note taking, more reading, more practicing, more living. But that's what college is for, right? This has been a stressful semester, especially with the LSAT, the senior paper, and the whole application process to law school (in my mind, I just pronounced process the British way. Cool). But, it will pay off in the end. Band tour is creeping up as well on Friday. It would be really nice to go home for fall break and make some coin, but it will be nice to go and make some music too. And stay in the Chicago Hyatt. But seriously, we're sounding good in band. I'm proud of us.

I need to get up early and play for church. So, that's it for now. Later dudes.