Tyler Dargis, '19

"Coming to OU definitely was the right choice for me. I feel like this is the place where I fit in and somewhere that I can call my second home.

I am so hopeful that the creation of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance will give us the resources to gain and keep talented students, while pushing the program into new territory that no one ever thought possible." 

Major:
Vocal Music Education

Career Plans:
To teach high school choir and then move upwards into administrative levels of education. 

What do you love most about MTD?
One thing that makes MTD so special to me is the faculty. They are one of the main reasons why I chose OU. They care about every student because they know what we go through each day. They know the unique struggles MTD majors face and give us the tolls we need to be successful in a highly competitive field.  

Why did you choose OU?
I chose OU because of the fantastic music program and the fact that I felt that every single person I met wanted me to succeed.  

Campus involvement:
I sing in the Oakordz, a Men’s Acapella choir, and also work on campus as an Admissions Ambassador. I also recently traveled to Europe with the Oakland Chorale, which opened my eyes to how vast and diverse the world is!

Favorite OU tradition:
Homecoming week. It really brings the campus together and helps connect the campus with the community.

Favorite local spot:
Main Street in Auburn Hills during the wintertime when all the holiday lights are up.

What was the strangest/craziest thing that you’ve seen or done at OU?
The strangest thing that I have seen at OU was during the winter time when everyone makes a huge effort to avoid walking on the seal outside of the Oakland Center. The rumor is that if you walk on the seal, you fail your final exams and, during the winter, you can see the footprints in the snow all going right around the seal.

Do you have a favorite professor?
Yes, Dr. Michael Mitchell. This man changes lives each and every day that he interacts with students. He works hard to ensure that every student is happy, healthy and is loving every second of what they are studying at OU.

Is there any other thing that you can tell us about your experience at OU and how donors have impacted your education and/or experience?
The largest way that donors have impacted my education at OU was by helping to fund the Oakland Chorale’s 2017 European Concert tour. This experience was my first time traveling overseas and it opened my eyes up to how vast and diverse the world is. The best part about this experience was that I sang in places that were up to 1,000 years old and share the music that means so much to me all over Europe.