Samuel “Sammy Jo” Cermack, a junior majoring in Music Education, is from Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Why did you decide to come to JSU?

I decided to come to JSU because of the small classrooms, beautiful campus, and, of course, the Marching Southerners. 

What are some of your hobbies?

I love to draw; paint and do crafts; read books, especially horror or romance novels; write music; and do color guard. 

What is your favorite thing to eat on campus?

My favorite thing on campus was the cheesecake crepes from Freshens, but since they quit selling those, I’ve settled for the pie buffet at the Gamecock Diner.  

Why did you choose to major in Music Education?

I chose Music Ed because my time in band has been so beneficial to my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It has literally saved my life and made me who I am today, and I would like to share that gift with children across America or even the world. 

What are your plans after graduation?

After my bachelors, I plan to go straight into my masters in Theory and Composition. After that, I would like to get my doctorate (haven’t thought that far ahead though). After that, I plan on teaching my entire life.

What has been the most impactful experience you’ve had at JSU?

Listening to Dr. Gordon share his love of music. He really makes such an impact on me by just showing me how amazing even Hot Cross Buns can be. Being able to be enlightened and see my art in a different way every day is definitely impacting me every day. 

What is the most important thing to focus on in Music Ed.?

The most important thing to focus on in Music Ed is not one’s playing ability, but a love for the art. I have definitely almost changed my major, but when you hear that one piece of music that just literally touches your spirit, that one piece that just reignites that flame, it pushes me to want to be better and to study and to pursue my major with more vigor. 

Are you involved in any clubs or organizations?

I am involved in the Marching Southerners as a member of the Color Guard, I play trombone in the Symphonic Band, and am in the Reformed University Fellowship and the professional music fraternity Delta Omicron. 

What has been your favorite course so far, and why?

My favorite course so far is shockingly not a music class. Human Geography, taught by Daniel McGowin, was such a fascinating course. I am very interested in different cultures around the world, and being able to see how and why they developed the way they did was very interesting. And the books he assigned were graphic novels, but very enlightening on Arabic, Chinese, and Buddhist cultures. All around a very interesting and worthwhile class.