Coming from Bakersfield, Calif., senior Riordan Banks knows he made the right decision in traveling far from home for the experience he has gained while at OCU. As a Music Theatre major, he performed a leading role in 鈥淩ent,鈥� 鈥淔ootloose鈥� and 鈥淚n the Heights,鈥� among the many other hands-on opportunities he has had within the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. Banks also serves as artistic director for OCU鈥檚 student-run production company, Stripped; as a member of Tonal Eclipse, the university acapella student group; and as a Presidential Ambassador.
These varied organizations he is involved in reinforce the reason Banks originally chose OCU. 鈥淚 wanted top-notch performance training as well as the welcoming community of students and faculty alike,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚 love the tight-knit campus community and the built-in support system students receive during their time at the university.鈥�
Additionally, Banks believes his many activities each provide him a different experience that will assist him in the future. When considering his time as an OCU Presidential Ambassador, for instance, it has allowed him not only the chance to connect with fellow students and alumni in their shared passion for OCU but also numerous opportunities for personal growth. 鈥淚 have the chance to refine my social skills and broaden my horizons through the well-developed and interconnected community of OCU supporters,鈥� explained Banks. His duties as an ambassador at many alumni functions ranges from greeting people and talking to various constituents to singing and entertaining guests.
Looking toward his bright future, Banks plan to move to New York City upon graduation to begin his career in the arts. And his words of wisdom to incoming OCU students? 鈥淒on鈥檛 allow yourself to be complacent during your time at the university,鈥� he states. 鈥淭here are countless experiences and opportunities available to you to make you a more developed person and performer. Seek these out, as they are often unique to OCU, and you should take advantage of as many as you can during your time here.鈥�
The Facts:
Favorite Place to Study: Leichter Listening Library in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music because it is calming, usually quiet and surrounded by centuries of musical archives that encourages your creative juices to flow.
Best Class: Music Theatre Workshop because it provided practical advice and effective strategies for achieving and maintaining a long-term career in the performing arts industry.
Greatest Moment at OCU: Any opportunity to perform in the historic Kirkpatrick Auditorium. This space has been home to countless incredible performances, and I consider it a huge honor and privilege every chance I get to be a part of this legacy.
