Desta Fisseha

Degree: BA in Music Performance and Bachelor in Computer Science
Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC

How did you first get interested in music?
I grew up surrounded by music. My mom worked directly with the Marching Tar Heels for years, so I would go see their halftime shows for almost every football game for years.

What kind of career do you hope to have?
I’d love to do something musical, but I’m yet sure of the specifics of it.

What is your favorite thing about the Department of Music?
I absolutely love having free admission to any of the events run by the College. I always enjoy seeing as many of the performances, shows, and concerts the college puts on. 

Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
I joined the UNC Charlotte Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band optimistically after having a poor experience with my high school marching band and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was apprehensive at first, but once I got through band camp, the first week of the season during the school year, and I got to know my section, I realized how much I truly enjoy marching band. Marching in college is a much different and much better experience than I got in high school, so much so that I almost didn’t march in college because of high school, but after this semester, I know I’ll be back. I loved rehearsal, grabbing dinner with my section after, the football games were long and hard but all worth it. We play a lot of fun pep tunes in the stands and at Alumni Pavilion as well as on the stairs of EPIC. In the moment, it was tough, some of it absolutely sucked. Looking back, I loved it and I can’t wait to go back. If I had to pick a favorite part, I’d have to say the community it brings. All of us have at least 1 thing in common and I met a lot of really cool people in the marching band.

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I like to play video games with my friends, read, or play dungeons and dragons.