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Bandier: Syracuse University’s Music Business Program

Bandier students learn from Monte and Avery Lipman, chairman and president of Republic Records during the David M. Rezak Lecture Series.
Bandier students learn from Monte and Avery Lipman, chairman and president of Republic Records during the David M. Rezak Lecture Series.

Did you know that one of Syracuse University’s smallest academic majors is also one of its most influential?

Students meeting with Cody Verdecias from Atlantic Records.
Students meeting with Cody Verdecias from Atlantic Records.

The Bandier Program in Recording and Entertainment Industries (Bandier, for short) within Syracuse’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications enrolls just 25-30 students each year, but is consistently ranked as one of the best schools for studying the music business. Graduates of the program go on to roles in a variety of careers, including A&R, media and public relations, music journalism, entertainment law, venue management and more!

Interested in learning more about the Bandier program? Take a look at these recent photos for a snapshot of what life is like for Bandier students!

  • The Bandier Program maintains close ties with industry executives and leaders across all areas where music and the media intersect and offers students the chance to learn from someone new each week through the David M. Rezak Music Business Lecture Series.

    Bandier students attending SXSW Music Festival and Conference in Austin, TX.
    Bandier students attending SXSW Music Festival and Conference in Austin, TX.
  • Bandier students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the music business through programs like the Syracuse University Los Angeles Semester. The Bandier Program has a strong alumni network that works with students and faculty/staff regarding mentoring and assistance in finding internships and job opportunities!

    Bandier students enjoying the sunshine while spending a professional semester in Los Angeles.
    Bandier students enjoying the sunshine while spending a professional semester in Los Angeles.
  • The small nature of the Bandier Program means that students are provided with individual academic and professional guidance based on their interests. Students are required to hold at least three internships during their time at Syracuse, and many do so while studying abroad! Through experiences like these, Bandier students are exposed to a broad spectrum of ideas and experiences that prepare them for the ever-changing landscape of music business.
Bandier students taking in the sights during a semester away in London.
Bandier students taking in the sights during a semester away in London.
  • Despite the small and close-knit nature of the program, Bandier students also have resources of a large university at hand. Bandier students are actively involved on campus in a range of clubs and organizations, and many hold leadership roles in the college entertainment programming board, University Union.

    University Union leaders with Khalid after Syracuse University’s annual spring Block Party, held in the Dome.
    University Union leaders with Khalid after Syracuse University’s annual spring Block Party, held in the Dome.

Summer College to Syracuse

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Growing up with a mom who worked in communications, I was curious about her role in developing a company’s image and reputation. During my sophomore year in high school, I wanted to find a way to learn more about the field and get a taste for college life. Syracuse University Summer College for high school students offered both.

Summer College allows high school students to take courses in various programs over a 2-, 3-, 4- or 6-week time period while living in Syracuse University housing and experiencing college life.

At first, it was exciting to live on my own, but I also had to take responsibility as there was no one to remind me to stay on top of my schoolwork. I had been away from home before, but never in an environment where I knew absolutely no one. At Syracuse, everyone was so nice! The classes I took at Summer College helped me earn college credits that I was able to apply to my undergrad studies. And best of all, it helped confirm my decision to major in public relations.

As a junior in high school, I was excited to have a goal to work toward. I felt so confident because I was certain of my major. While Syracuse was one of my top choices, I kept an open mind and visited other colleges along the east coast. But none of them felt like home. After visiting Syracuse a second time in the fall – when I could see it during the academic year – I knew it was everything I ever wanted from a school. I chose to apply Early Decision to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and never looked back.

My Summer College experience didn’t keep me from feeling homesick my first semester, but overall, I felt more confident on campus and in the classroom having spent significant time here before enrolling. Now, after being here for a semester, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. The community at Syracuse is so inspiring and diverse. The more Newhouse classes I take, the more certain I am that I made the right choice. Courses are challenging, but the topics are so interesting and my professors are extremely knowledgeable and supportive.

I have found friends at Syracuse that I couldn’t imagine living without, and I proved to myself that I can succeed. My field of study is very broad, but I’m confident that with time, internships and more classes, I will find the specific track that’s right for me.

Regan Talley ’21 is studying Public Relations in The Newhouse School of Public Communications. She grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Regan is a member of PRSSA and in her free time she enjoys baking, going to the gym, and getting coffee with friends.

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Keeping Orange in the Family

Emily (left) and Claudia

Three years ago, Emily Lewis accompanied her sister Claudia when she moved into her Syracuse dorm to start her freshman year. At 15, Emily wasn’t seriously thinking about college just yet. Sure, she got to see the campus, which she enjoyed, but a part of her was hesitant to set her sights on ‘Cuse. “At the time, Syracuse was her thing” she laughs and nods at Claudia, who’s smiling, too.

Claudia and Emily grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and were about as close as any average siblings- they fought, then ignored each other for a bit, then got along. Before Claudia brought the Orange pride into the mix, the Lewis household was strictly University of Michigan- everything blue and maize. The girls’ older brother, mother and father are U Michigan alumni, and the Lewis’s make annual trips to Ann Arbor for football games. Basically, they were raised on college pride, so both Claudia and Emily knew that wherever they ended up for college, it would be a school with spirit. Claudia found that at Syracuse, but for most of her own college search, Emily focused on larger state schools like Penn State and Indiana University.

By the end of junior year, Emily was ready to apply to her top schools. In a way, she felt obligated to apply to Syracuse, since it had become a family school like U Michigan. “I felt like if I didn’t apply, I’d regret it for some reason, but I still didn’t think it was where I would end up.”

However, when she was accepted as a dual major in Arts and Sciences and Newhouse, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Now, Claudia is a senior illustration major and Emily is a freshman dual major in arts and sciences and Newhouse, undeclared in both. They did not plan for their paths to both lead to Syracuse, but now they’re thankful. “We don’t hang out every second of every day, but it’s nice to know that if I want to talk about home or just see a familiar face, she’s there.” Claudia and Emily will share some memories at ‘Cuse, but their college experiences will each be their own. On the Hill, there’s room for both Lewis sisters to find their passions. Plus, since Claudia has a car, Emily has the luxury of getting off campus once in awhile! Claudia’s excited to spend her last year at Syracuse with her sister nearby. “I feel like everything is coming full circle- my college experience might be ending soon, but hers is just beginning. And now we’ll always have Syracuse, together.”

Samantha Trombley ’18, is public relations and policy studies major. She is originally from Franklin, CT. Sam is a member of Hill Communications, the on-campus public relations firm. She is also a member of the Girl Code Movement, the women’s club lacrosse team, and the Kappa Alpha Theta women’s fraternity. In her free time she enjoys hiking, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with friends. More blogs from Samantha Trombley.

A New York Times Article, a Phone Call, a Wish, and Four Years Later

There is one wish I made a few years back that, as of late, has bothered me above all others. It was an excruciatingly hot day in the middle of August 2012. The sun was blaring as my dad, stepmom, and I waited in the line of cars swerved around the parking lot adjacent to BBB Halls. Cramped on one side of the car and surrounded by an excessive amount of clothing and Pinterest-inspired dorm décor, I was a mess. I was nervous. I was anxious. I was scared to be left alone. On that day, my first day on the Syracuse University campus, I silently wished that the four years ahead would go by quickly.

Now past the finish line and officially an alumna, I can’t help but cringe at this wish. Not making it wouldn’t have made time go any faster or slower, but it would have been helpful to know then, on that hot summer day, that: those nerves were worth dealing with, the discomfort was worth working through, and those personal barriers were worth breaking down. I wish I knew then that I would become a stronger, more open minded, and more driven person thanks to the many differing and challenging opportunities Syracuse University would put within my path and equip me to face.

My first glimpse into the depth of the pride of Orange Nation occurred before I arrived on campus. Many welcoming and encouraging students, faculty, staff, and alumni commented and sent messages of congratulations following the publication of my article in The New York Times. Enthusiastically writing about my dream acceptance to Syracuse University, I painted a vision of what I hoped to achieve, including mixing my two academic passions, writing for the Daily Orange, and traveling abroad. I described the university as a place that fit me – a fosterer of education that would not force me to alter myself to attend. At that time, that description rang true, for everything I sought, SU offered.

No more than a few days after the article’s publication, I abruptly hid in a supply closet in the forensics classroom at my high school to take a call from Erin Martin Kane, SU’s then associate vice president for public relations. To my surprise, she offered me a position at SU’s Office of News Services. In that moment, I was undoubtedly excited and grateful, but I had no perception of how much that phone call would impact my experience at SU and the immeasurable amount of opportunity that would come with it.

An article, a phone call, a few months, and a nervous move-in day later, and my undergraduate career had launched. Over the course of the four years that encapsulated it, many memories were created, some of which I accurately predicted in my article – such as studying abroad and pursuing two majors – and most I had not, but all were more dynamic than originally expected.

As a dual major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the College of Arts and Sciences, my academic experience was diverse, yet cohesive. I learned from authors, prosecutors, communication directors, veterans, photographers, graphic designers, entrepreneurs, and movie producers. I pursued subjects I am passionate about and subjects I was hesitant toward, gaining valuable skills from each class and appreciating exposure to topics of unknown territory. My academic experience was thought-provoking. It was strenuous. It was worthwhile. It was enjoyable.

As a founding member, recruitment chair, vice president of academics, and then president of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority – a sorority being something I never thought I would join ­­– my longstanding shell of shyness disappeared and an indescribable support system emerged. I built memories with future lawyers, teachers, IT specialists, occupational therapists, communication professionals, dentists, talent agents, and accountants. I handled situations I was trained for and situations that could not have been predicted. I learned the importance of leadership, communication, prioritization, and inclusiveness as we attended academic conferences, planned campus-wide events, raised money for charities, promoted positive body image, welcomed new members, hosted a reception with Chancellor Syverud, and inducted a brave 15-year-old young lady with Cystic Fibrosis as an honorary sister. I celebrated as our young organization strengthened its bonds and successes. I was honored as we were awarded SU’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs’ highest award for 2015-2016 and as I was named chapter president of the year. My Greek experience was exciting. It was demanding. It was uplifting. It was empowering.

As a member of #44Social, SU’s student social media team, I worked creatively and served as a voice for the university. Though designer’s block and 140 character limit struggles were frequent occurrences, nothing compared to knowing a project brought smiles to the many faces in our community.

As a student abroad, my sense of independence and enthusiasm toward learning about other cultures and practices were invigorated. I survived the times of sleeping on a staircase after missing the last train in Cinque Terre, getting locked in an apartment in Seville, and saying goodbye to my host family, yet nothing will beat the enjoyment I had while traveling with good friends and sampling good food.

As a peer advisor and Student Affairs Advisory Board member and through the many Juice Jam concerts, Mayfest celebrations, comedy shows, philanthropy events, bus rides, Marshall Street runs, basketball games, and late nights at Bird Library, I met incredible people who influenced me in one way or another and made my four years unforgettable.

And, as an intern at SU’s Office of News Services, I wrote articles and press releases, designed infographics and media passes, photographed events, delivered broadcast reports, shook Oprah’s hand, documented a Commencement, attended a chancellor’s inauguration, witnessed the Dalai Lama rock an SU hat, live-tweeted the Mirror Awards, met SU alumnus Prince Sultan bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, shadowed amazing people, and gained the foundation to succeed in internships and my future career.

Now, a phone call, a wish, and four years later, it is clear that my original depiction of Syracuse University no longer suits me. I had not anticipated how inaccurate my description would become as I became more adept to varied situations through interactions with thousands of different people with different views of life. I learned to abandon any preconceived notions, take advantage of all situations, develop a better understanding of differing social and comparative perspectives, and become a member of a diverse community of undeniable pride and collaboration. I did alter myself at Syracuse, and in fact, it was for the better.

Now, my foundation remains the same, but my aspirations, priorities, and appreciation for the world have all evolved. Now I’m no longer nervous. Now I’m ready. I am a Syracuse University alumna, Class of 2016.

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary people who have supported me along the way. Thank you to:

  • Paula McKinnon – for encouraging me to write for The New York Times, guiding me through my last year at Brooklyn Technical High School, and for being such a genuine, kindhearted person
  • Erin Martin Kane – for making that phone call, being the best mentor with the kindest soul, and drastically changing my experience at SU in more ways than I could have ever imagined
  • Maren Guse – for trusting me, offering advice, and giving me so many opportunities
  • Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz – for serving as an incredible role model and doing so much good for SU
  • Justina DeMott – for helping me remember to take care of myself, consistently encouraging me no matter the situation, and for being an unbelievably courageous person
  • Claudia Strong – for always pushing me to be creative and challenging me to produce my best work
  • Bill Jasso – for helping me fall back in love with writing and always making me laugh
  • My professors – for teaching me to be a stronger thinker, communicator, and person
  • My friends – for exploring all of the ridiculous adventures with me
  • My family – for loving me unconditionally
  • My dad – for everything. I love you bigger than a watermelon

 

Cassie Dagostino is a recent graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School and Maxwell School with a BA in Public Relations and Political Science. she is currently the Global Communications Coordinator at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

Why You Don’t Need to Stress About Picking a Major

When I was applying to colleges, the first question I asked myself was, “What do you see yourself pursuing as a career?” This can be a daunting question, but it is absolutely necessary to think about. However, do not think it is the end of the world if, by the time you are in college, you are still uncertain what it is that you want to do with the rest of your life. This is not an easy decision, and as you decide, it is important to branch out and explore different options to find the best fit for you.

I came into Syracuse as an undecided Arts and Sciences student because I was just not sure what I wanted to do. I spoke to peer advisors and academic advisors to discuss different majors offered and career paths that interested me. By looking at the big picture and utilizing resources on campus, I was able to network and gain industry insight into certain careers that interested me. I attended guest speaker events, career fairs, involvement fairs, and visited the Career Services Center several times before committing to my current major.

During my freshman year, I also joined an organization called the Wellslink Leadership Program. It is a professional networking organization that assigns you a peer mentor for the year. This mentor is usually in a similar major or program as you. My peer mentor was in Newhouse and after speaking to her about my career outlook, I knew I wanted to be in Newhouse as well. College is the time and place to experiment and really get to know yourself. I knew I wanted to write because it is a passion of mine, but my strong interest in media propelled my decision to pursue public relations.

I was also advised to enroll in general education courses to help develop basic skills and fulfill core requirements. My freshman year, I took a course called CLS 105, College Learning Strategies, and it was one of the best classes I have ever taken. The class taught me about time management, leadership, teamwork, and strategic skills on studying by catering them to fit your personality type. As a result of this class, I am able to better grasp what works for me and what doesn’t–a skill that has been helpful to me thus far.

I also learned that being a worried, panicking freshman does not do much to help your situation. On the whole, don’t stress out too much about not knowing what major you want to pursue. Freshman year is your time to explore. You will soon realize that many students are in the same boat as you and you just need to take a deep breath, utilize all the resources that are available and be patient with yourself–there are so many opportunities and so many people willing to help, you can be sure that you will find your way.

 

Eric Chuang ’17, is a  Public Relations major at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a minor in English & Textual Studies. Additionally, he is part of the Fashion & Beauty Communications Milestone Program. Eric is a California native, dog enthusiast, fervent traveler, and sushi connoisseur. When not taking Buzzfeed quizzes or coming up with clever Instagram captions, he can most likely be found jamming to Taylor Swift’s “1989” album. More blogs from Eric Chuang.

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The Newhouse Dream

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I still remember the day I received my acceptance letter from Syracuse University. It was the last acceptance letter I was expecting out of the nine universities around the nation I had applied to. My apprehension was building and all that was occupying my mind was the question, “Is it a big or small envelope?” This was the moment of truth and the moment of decision. I had been offered admission at several schools, but was still unsure where I wanted to go as I was still waiting on SU.

The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications had been at the top of my “College Checklist” since my sophomore year in high school. It is expected that one student at my high school from each graduating class attend SU, and I wanted to be that one student. With all my eggs in one basket, I had hoped for the best when applying to SU. Though I had some other options to pick from, I knew SU was the school for me because Newhouse was where I felt I belonged. After endless hours of research and conversations with SU alums, I had my heart set on Newhouse.

Plot twist: I was accepted into a different program instead of Newhouse. I was utterly disappointed in myself. I almost attended another university because I was so discouraged by this unexpected outcome. Sure, I had heard many success stories of students transferring into Newhouse; however, I was not sure if I was ready to take that chance. Newhouse was where I wanted to end up, and if I was not able to successfully transfer, I would have been devastated. In the following few days, I had to make one of the most difficult decisions I had ever faced. Ultimately, I committed to SU and decided to go in as an undecided major.

Two years later, here I am. I’m proud to say that I successfully transferred into Newhouse. Under the guidance of Newhouse advisors, I determined which classes I needed to take to smoothly transfer from one school to another. In doing so, I learned that the intra-university transfer process is actually very simple: work for good grades and stay persistent with your advisor. Transferring into another program simply requires a form you need to fill out and your transcript. Newhouse then evaluates transfer applicants based on their Grade Point Average (GPA). The higher your GPA, the higher your chances will be for transferring into Newhouse. (Visit this site for specific deadlines and requirements.)

To ensure that I had the best GPA possible, I focused on my academics. While it was difficult to balance a social life, I put many of my extracurriculars on hold to utilize my time studying. I created agendas, set goals, and planned study groups to make sure that I stayed on track with my school work. I studied in Huntington Hall during finals week to avoid the crowds in Bird Library and other popular study rooms. Despite the array of extracurricular activities available on campus, I persevered and didn’t succumb to different distractions.

For anyone discouraged by not being accepted into the program of their choice, do not give up. SU believes in second chances and you will have plenty of opportunities to transfer into the school that fits you best. Advisors at each school will do anything they can to help you get to where you want to be. Be sure to be proactive in seeing your advisor regularly. Schedule an appointment with them to discuss career goals– you will be surprised how many connections they may have. Set plans and objectives at the beginning of every semester to make sure that you follow through on your work. Seek advice from veterans of the transfer process. They have the most firsthand knowledge and insight on the process and are happy to share how they successfully transferred.

The Wellslink Leadership Program is a great way to network with leaders on campus who can help you with your academics. This program is open to all undergraduate students and assigns students a peer leader who will work closely with them to help them through the semester.

As a freshman, I was paired with a Newhouse student who became my mentor for everything. She suggested that I hold off on taking COM 107, an introductory Newhouse course available to all majors, because it can be a difficult class. I took her advice so that I could devote all my time to my core classes and could not be more grateful that she was there to guide me.

The most important thing to consider is your course load. Don’t bite off more than you can chew as this is a crucial time in your college career. Any mishap in your grades can hinder your chances of transferring into your dream college within SU. Take electives and core requirement courses– and excel in them so that you can boast the best GPA possible. I am so grateful for the guidance I received freshman year as it helped me get where I wanted to be.

The resources available to students on campus are valuable–make sure to take advantage of them!

 

Eric Chuang ’17, is a  Public Relations major at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a minor in English & Textual Studies. Additionally, he is part of the Fashion & Beauty Communications Milestone Program. Eric is a California native, dog enthusiast, fervent traveler, and sushi connoisseur. When not taking Buzzfeed quizzes or coming up with clever Instagram captions, he can most likely be found jamming to Taylor Swift’s “1989” album. More blogs from Eric Chuang.

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Seriously, Don’t Skip Class (especially the 8 am’s!)

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I was not looking forward to 8 a.m. classes when I started college. In fact, I was a little weary of classes in general. I’d heard from some older friends that you go to college and spend four years in giant lecture halls, memorizing information, regurgitating it for a test, and then completely forgetting it. I expected I’d be able to skip a lot of classes and I would never get to know my professors. However, I am almost halfway through my undergraduate education, and I’m glad to say that, at least in my experience, I was very, very wrong about college classes. Here’s a little insight into what I was thinking:

My expectation for college classes:

Ugh, it’s Monday and I have an 8 a.m.

I get up, drink three cups of coffee, throw on a sweatshirt and walk to class. I sit among 80 other kids who are asleep with their eyes open. Our professor talks, and talks and talks. No one asks questions because it’s very uncool to be interested. I secretly text under my desk, but of course no one’s awake, so I curl up and close my eyes. I don’t think I’m going to go on Wednesday. I can basically teach myself all of this. I’ll just show up for the midterm and the final and I’ll be good.

Reality:

It’s Monday and I have an 8 a.m. I get up, drink three cups of coffee, throw on a sweatshirt and walk to class (that’s never changing). I walk into a classroom with 15 other students. We’re all tired, but ready to work. Our professor discusses what the focus is for the day. We spend about half an hour openly discussing the latest topic, and then we break up into two groups and work on our respective PR campaigns–campaigns we are executing for real clients with real goals and real contributions to society. We stay a few extra minutes after class to call our client and plan for what needs to be done for Wednesday.

What a change, right?

As a public relations major, every class I have taken thus far has been goal-oriented and focused on experience. I am currently taking Public Relations Writing in a Digital World, and we are working with Syracuse alum Michael Short, ’10, President of the Global Social Enterprise Institute (GSEI) and CEO of Short Enterprises. The Institute, an initiative of Short Enterprises with more than 250 university and institutional collaborators and projects spread across six continents, provides consulting for socially engaged organizations. Over the past few years, GSEI has had over 100 students and a number of courses involved in their work from the Newhouse, Maxwell and Whitman Schools.

Short and Professor Joe Cunningham have given myself and my classmates the priceless opportunity to essentially intern for a well-respected organization and earn credits simultaneously. We didn’t have to apply. We didn’t have to interview. All we have to do is show up to class and try our best.

I truly love going to a school where the professors not only respect the students, but also encourage us to rise to expectations that we may have never set for ourselves. So if you ever think about skipping your morning classes, think about what you’re missing. It might be in that class you realize a love for what you’re doing, or at the very least perhaps, you may realize that 8 a.m. class offers much more than you expected.

 

Samantha Trombley ’18, is public relations and policy studies major. She is originally from Franklin, CT. Sam is a member of Hill Communications, the on-campus public relations firm. She is also a member of the Girl Code Movement, the women’s club lacrosse team, and the Kappa Alpha Theta women’s fraternity. In her free time she enjoys hiking, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with friends. More blogs from Samantha Trombley.

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