While majoring in instrumental music education, Sarah Purlee, ’21, keeps busy with three ensembles, the Cardinal Athletic Band and classes. Even with her busy schedule, she still finds time to be a part of the Cardinal Dance Company as well.
At the age of eight, Purlee learned to play her first instrument: the guitar. Then she joined her schools’ band in fifth grade. She continued to play in the band through high school and into college in North Central’s athletic band, except now she plays the clarinet.
Not only does Purlee play in the band, but she is also a conductor. Even though it is unusual to have two female conductors, that is the case with the Cardinal Athletic Band. They practice twice a week, every week for two hours and perform at both football and basketball games.
Purlee’s favorite part of being involved in music on campus is the people. “When I enter that band room, everybody is friendly, everybody is dedicated and we get something really great out of it because we are so ready and willing to do whatever it takes the get the best product,” she said.
Photo by Catherine Savino
Music isn’t the only passion Purlee has in the arts: she is also a dancer. She started dancing in a studio at the age of three and continues through college, joining Cardinal Dance Company. Along with taking classes for tap, her favorite style, Purlee was also a part of a competitive team, Blue Heat, which she now choreographs for.
“Dancing was never stressful. In the end, it was always the good part of the day, something I always looked forward to,” says Purlee.
In the future, Purlee hopes to teach high school band or general elementary school music.
