When the opportunity for Durham Tech students to join the Duke University marching band presented itself, Nancy Rosales didn’t miss a beat.
“I heard about the chance to join the band from a flyer shared with students by Lea Bingham, who is Durham Tech’s assistant dean for Creative and Liberal Arts, who also oversees the University Transfer program and is an English instructor,” Rosales said. “I immediately sent an email to the Duke band instructor. He replied quickly, and I went to the next band practice. I play trumpet in the Duke marching band.”
Rosales had never been in a marching band before.
“There is a lot to it,” Rosales said. “The playing of the instrument is a small part. There are posture, step count and choreography. There is a little dance at the end of the performance.”
Rosales says the process of joining the Duke Band was a smooth and welcoming one. From seeing the flyer to reaching out to the band director to her first practice as a Duke band member, Rosales says she felt right at home.
“I received a new instrument, a Duke T-shirt and a full band uniform,” Rosales said. “It was an exciting experience.”
Rosales admits to being a bit rusty at first, but with the patience of Duke’s band instructors and their help with getting the notes just right, she soon felt fully comfortable playing and marching.
With a packed schedule, Rosales is in full swing working toward her associate in science at Durham Tech, with plans to transfer to N.C. Central University to study biochemistry. She also is a certified community health worker and 38-year-old single parent. Her daughter, Nathalia, graduated from Durham Tech this past spring and is in her first year at NCCU studying biology.
Rosales said that going to college is something that took her out of her comfort zone and so was joining a marching band. She credits her close relationship with her daughter for pushing her to prove that it’s never too late to take on challenges.
“Nathalia and I talk about, well we talk mostly about what I am going to cook next,” Rosales laughed. “Then we talk school stuff. She is passionate about biology and research. But we also just talk normal stuff. Church things, cats, movies, just what’s on our minds. But we usually come back to what I am cooking next.”
Rosales shares that these conversations with her daughter keep them close and keep their little routines fun and full of love.
“Being a mom has taught me what true commitment and full responsibility look like,” Rosales said. “It’s not always easy balancing school and being a mom, but my daughter keeps me going.”
Rosales says her Durham Tech instructors also keep her going through their guidance and support.
“I love my instructors,” Rosales said. “They are hands-on, tough and supportive. I appreciate how instructors push us. Also, my daughter and instructors tell me how much the degree I am working toward can help in the community health field, so I push that much harder.”
Rosales says coming back to school and taking advantage of every opportunity by showing up and putting in the work has helped her realize that she's much more than just a mom.
“I’m also someone who’s been given a second chance to experience school in a whole new way,” Rosales said.
“What started as simply joining a band has become so much more than I ever anticipated,” Rosales said. “Being a part of the Duke band has strengthened not only my musical skills, but also my memory, body coordination, emotional resilience and physical strength. It's truly been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and the games are a lot of fun.”