Taylor Gohman is a pre-med major and a member of the Razorback Marching Band who recently studied at the School of Health Sciences in Jonkoping University; there he not only got an in depth look at Sweden’s health care system, but also got a real taste of a Swedish marching band. Gohman is preparing to take his MCAT this spring.
(Hello in Swedish) Everyone!
I’m writing to you today from Sweden! Through the Health Teams Abroad 2012 Sweden Program, I’ve not only had the opportunity to take classes concerning health care at the School of Health Sciences in Jonkoping University, but I’ve been given the opportunity to know my pre-med advisors outside of an academic setting. I can’t elaborate enough on how this program has given me insight not only about Sweden’s health care system, but our own as well. Preparing to take the MCAT a year from now and hopefully to receive an interview, I must know about our own health care system because we are the key to changing our system for the better.
The past two and a half weeks have been fantastic! It really feels like two months though! Oh, how I shall miss this beautiful country, from the historic buildings in Stockholm to the spacious environment of Jonkoping. Jonkoping has a dear space in my heart and it was through the cultural experience of marching bands that I came to adore this minute city.
I currently play in the Razorback Marching Band, and when I heard that Jonkoping was hosting a Marching Band Display Day, I knew that this southern boy was in for a treat. Walking down into the heart of the city, I could hear the faint sound of the band, as if I were about to ride into battle. Far off in the distance, I observed a tall man dressed in a traditional blue uniform that was outlined with gold trim, with a golden sash draped across his chest. This man – the drum major – directed with a golden scepter as tall as he was. Behind him were majorettes who were dressed in red traditional uniforms and white hats, skirts and boots. Bringing up the rear was the real show that I was waiting for in anticipation.
With the endless roll of the snare drums and rhythmic heartbeat of the bass drum, I saw for the first time in my life a Swedish Marching Band playing the Swedish Air Force March. The sight was breathtaking as the band marched in time with one another, sporting uniforms similar to the one that the drum major was wearing. It was as if “The Music Man” had come to life in downtown Jonkoping. My heart shook with joy as I saw on the very last row a single euphonium player, an instrument that I play, bellowing out his full brassy sound.
After the Norrahammars Musikkår (Norrahammars Band) had finished their performance, I had the opportunity to converse with the elderly euphonium player. He had played at every Marching Band Display Day for the last 40 years, since Marching Band Display Day began. He said that there used to be 50-60 bands around the city, one at every street corner, but that with a new coordinator, a lot of things had changed. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed his performance and proceeded to recount my college band experiences. Sharing our love for our instrument helped this elderly man and me to better understand one another’s culture and appreciate even more the art of music.
As this trip dwindles down to an end, sadly enough, I shall never forget the Norrahammars Musikkår (Norrahammars Band). Even more than the band, I’ll most definitely miss the country of Sweden. The opportunity has been phenomenal and words simply don’t give justice to the program. If given the chance in my lifetime, I shall return, but in the meantime, tack (thank you in Swedish) Sweden for the lifelong memories.