Jill DeGroot (MA 2020, New Arts Journalism) wanted to be a marine — well, she wanted to play flute in the U.S. Marine Corps band. Early in her life, playing flute gave Jill sense of fulfillment, which gave rise to a passion and competitiveness for the instrument in and out of school band. For many years, Jill considered the flute her "calling," but while studying flute at DePaul University, disillusionment set in. The last few years have seen Jill shift from traditional classical music to the ultra-contemporary New Discipline, and also to journalism, which she uses to commemorate ephemeral concert experiences. Jill's story suggests that a "calling" has as much to do with what life wants from you as what you want from life.

Featuring "Throw Me To You And Back Again" by Jesse Marino, performed by Riley Leitch and Jill DeGroot. Audio courtesy of the artists.