My name is Tara Newfield and I am a sophomore at the University of Southern California. I was born in Danville, Pennsylvania, but lived in Northumberland and eventually moved across the river to Selinsgrove. I came to California to escape the cold... and to go attend this fine educational institute in order to become a music director.
I have always loved music and for many years have wanted a career involved in music. I played saxophone for 8 years before deciding on a whim to switch to brass. I haven't looked back since. I played mellophone in my high school band for two years and it was during this time that I realized I really wanted to teach music.
I came to USC because it has one of the best music schools in the country. I first learned about USC through non other than the Trojan Marching Band. When I saw the TMB perform with Fleetwood Mac I fell instantly in love with its uniqueness. The more I learned about the band - the style, the persona, the attitude - the more I realized I had to be a part of it. I am now a sophomore horn player in the band and I wouldn't give it up for anything.
Outside of music I have many other interests. I have been drawing since I was two years old and continue to do so in my spare (class) time. About six years ago I began working with computer imaging and programs like Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photoshop. Right now I have fallen into this ultra-realism phase which ends up looking really cool, but is incredibly time consuming. But finishing a project is like the last lines of a really good book and long projects are great because the end is so far away. I have to admit I go through withdraw after finishing a major work, and that usually inspires me to start a new one.
Lately I have been considering taking my imaging to the next level and venturing into the third dimension. I am currently saving enough money to buy the professional studio version of SoftImage modeling and animation software; a hefty price tag at $6000. It might be wishful thinking now, but it would pay off if I were to change my major (which has crossed my mind, but don't hold you breath).
And now for something completely different.
If I could have one superpower, I wish I could fly. I have always been fascinated by flight. I would like to intensely study bird and bat flight and fulfill my dream of one day inventing a personal flying device. You won't be laughing when I do it either!