Kyle Brine

Kyle

I got creative.

There were things I did at Kent that I never thought I would—drama, for example. It was something I kept my distance from because I didn't want to be a "drama nerd." I mean, I already played the tuba! But some of my friends were directing plays so I tried it. I was even the lead once and I really enjoyed it. You have the dialog—the structure—but within that, you have to figure out how to truly convey the humor, the sadness, the subtleties. You have to get inventive.

I had to be resourceful in AP Latin too. It was this really small class—there were only three of us—with this teacher who was incredibly funny, smart and demanding. We translated Virgil and, of course, first you had to figure out the meaning. But how are you going to express it? Again, it's a creative puzzle.

And then there's my tuba, "Lucille." At my old school, there was a jazz band but nothing serious or challenging. So, it was a shock when I got to Kent, and my music teacher started me on classical tuba solos. I didn't even know they existed. Pretty soon, I got into all-state, regionals, and festivals. I played at recitals with an incredible concert pianist from Kent. I improvised solos in the Dixieland band. I worked with a great brass ensemble. I took music theory and started to compose. There were so many opportunities. I did a lot of new things and really grew as a musician.

Next year I'm going to Brown. I'm not sure what I'll major in but I'm interested in both teaching and psychology. So this summer I'm working at an organization that helps kids with behavioral problems. It's a good job for me, looking for imaginative answers to tough questions.
I know I've always been creative, or at least musical. My parents tell me I used to sing in my crib. But Kent pushed me to see what I could do with it. It made me get creative about being creative.