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A Bit More about Me...
My name is Matthew B. Byerly, and I am currently a Senior at the University of Indianapolis studying both music (Bass Vocalist and Compositional Studies) and communications (with an emphasis in journalism).
Music has always been a strong presence in my life, but I never really expected to be a music major in college...yet, here I am, and having a good time, in spite of all the work and practice time (practice can be fun, though...just need to find the way to make it that way). On campus, I perform with Concert Choir and Schola vocally, and the Campus Band on Trombone and participate in MENC (The Music Educator's Association), Muy Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity, and the International Society of Composers.
More about myself...though I'm familiar with Indianapolis, and have family that lives in Castleton (yes, there are homes in Castleton!), I was born and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana, mostly known to others (if at all) as Orville Reddenbacher's hometown, for the Valpo University Crusaders (who I will continue to root for...keep at it, Homer and Co.!), and for the music program in the community schools (I will forever be the 'Phantom of the Band Room' at VHS).
I have very eclectic tastes in what types of music I will listen to...just about anything interests me, but I especially like Big Band (Glenn Miller, the Basie Orchestra, the Dorsey Brothers, and others...), classical, and Broadway show tunes (I'll admit to it...I'm a Phan-Fan). I also really like folk, easy-listening, world musics, and new age stuff (Call me crazy, but I actually enjoy Yanni every once in a while...it's relaxing.)
It seems like, no matter when in my life I remember, music has been in the background for my life. Music is not the only thing I do, though. I dabble in genealogy, and history (especially the US Civil War) is a subject I find facinating. I have a mind for trivia...little facts like historic dates and such tend to stick in my mind. I am a voracious reader, and just as likely to curl up with a good book as I am to study a piece of music. I also like to write poetry and short stories, and dabble in doodling things now and again. I like to cook (but I don't much care for the clean-up involved after). I'm also very active in volunteering in the community (and have been for years...I am an Eagle Scout, and remain active in the Scouting movement) and in church activites (I'm a real religious person...there are too many good gifts I have received not to believe in a higher power).
Though I may be a bit shy at first, I do not hesitate to speak my mind (some may say I like the taste of my foot!), and I will strike up conversations with just about anyone, given time, topic, and opportunity. Well, that's enough about me. I love getting E-mail...If you have any comments, compliments, complaints or if you just want to say "Hi!" E-mail me. Now, without further delay, browse around and make yourself at home. Mi casa es su casa! I hope all of you have a great day.
© 2000 Matthew
B. Byerly Questions or comments?
Contact Matthew at byerlymb@uindy.edu.
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