Caspian Beard, a music and biology double major, will graduate in May with plans to attend graduate school in music performance or ecology, hoping to build a career that blends his passions. However, Caspian’s love for music wasn’t always a part of his Berry Journey.
“I didn’t know that I wanted to study music when I came to Berry,” he recalls. “I was pre-med at the time and didn’t want a second major to worry about. But I loved being able to perform and share music with other people. So, leading into my fifth semester at Berry, I changed my music minor to a major, even if it meant spending a whole extra year at Berry. I saw it as an opportunity to pursue something I love and do it in a place that I love surrounded by people that I love.”
Caspian credits his mentor, John David, artist-in-residence and director of jazz and percussion studies, with pushing him to reach his potential. Under his guidance, Caspian found the confidence to pursue music.
“I am incredibly lucky to learn under him,” he says. “When I took up drum lessons when I was 14, all of my teachers just showed me the basics and taught me how to play songs. However, JD wanted me to become the best musician I could be and refused to let me become discouraged. He saw a fire waiting to be kindled and lit the first match. We have only grown closer ever since.”
Though unsure how his biology and music majors would connect, Caspian found that both foster creative thinking and problem-solving. Instead of overwhelming him, the double major afforded him a well-rounded education.
“Science teaches you how to think creatively, solve problems, and learn about the world,” he explains. “Music fills all the same gaps. Having two majors has helped me realize what I love and learn how to balance my time and energy. I love learning about as many things as I can and am lucky to have the scholarships and passionate teachers to help me pursue what I am interested in.”
Beyond coursework, Caspian’s LifeWorks positions as a writing center consultant and percussion manager have enriched his experience, helping him build meaningful relationships.
“I was homeschooled for most of grade school, and I only really knew people I went to school with, played baseball with or went to church with,” he says. “Berry has allowed me the opportunity to meet people, and my jobs have given me the ability to become more engaged with campus as a whole.”
Caspian notes that Berry’s culture of community has made all the difference in his development: “I am prepared for whatever comes next, as I have taken classes to give me the knowledge I need, I have a supportive network of friends and mentors who have gotten me this far and will continue to push me as I leave Berry, and I have a God who will guide my every step.”
Story by senior Audrey Bennett
