Paul Reilly, originally from Hawthorne, NJ, is a freshman leaning towards Chemical Engineering. He is particularly interested in pursuing this major because of his interests in math and science from a young age, and he also took AP Chemistry in high school, as well as Chem 1 and 2 while at Stevens. Within Chemical, he is most interested in materials and looks forward to getting more involved in research and experimenting with different compounds and how they react in different scenarios.
In addition to having an interest in math and science, Paul has an immense love for music. He is currently involved with the orchestra and band on campus, and in his free time, he also plays the saxophone for fun and enjoys jamming with fellow Davis Hall musicians. In addition, Paul enjoys reading and playing cards and is also involved with the Stevens choir.
Paul’s musical pursuits go back to when he was in fourth grade. He picked up the clarinet and played in the school band. In 6th grade, he switched to the oboe, and then in 7th grade he learned the sax, a jazz instrument, so he could be in the jazz band. He particularly enjoyed the challenge it brought, and still brings, especially with its difficult rhythms. Since joining the jazz band, Paul has loved jazz because it further expanded his musical horizons and his love of music. From 8th grade to senior year, he was in the marching band, which was something to further broaden his musical surroundings. “I really liked the upbeat marching band music,” he said. One of his most memorable pieces was “25 or 6 to 4”, which he played in the marching band Chicago show.
One of the most memorable pieces Paul has played is called “Oblivion” by Astor Piazola, which he played with his civic band (a band that plays for the community). The majority of Paul’s performances are at public venues at schools, which allows him to share his music with others.
Most of all, through music, Paul has learned the importance of having a good work ethic. Practicing has taught him to be persistent and to not give up when learning a difficult piece. When one is passionate about something, whether it is academic, musical, or sports-related, all the time and effort that goes into improving one’s craft is worth it. Balancing school, extra-curriculars, and music is no easy feat. “It’s a lot of work and time,” Paul says, “but I really care about the music, and I want to play well, so it is worth the effort,” he emphasizes.
“There is a [YouTube] band called Postmodern Jukebox. They play current songs, but they play them from styles like from the ‘20s. So I think that is really interesting. I really liked their cover of “Titanium.” In addition, when listening to music, “I’ll put an album on repeat, like Billy Joel or something. I really like “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” I like listening to Queen, too,” he says.
Music is everywhere, from video games, to WCPR, to the kid blasting their music in the shower stall next to you. If you are a musician who is also balancing a difficult course schedule and is involved with a multitude of extra-curriculars, have no fear. Find other people who do music to keep in touch with your artistic side. “That’s how I usually get involved with the things I do. It’s through the people I know [like] teachers and other people I know from band,” Paul says. Music is out there. Just open your ears and listen.
