The Rampage Nov 2024

18

The Rampage

Students

Student Profile: Ashton Bucklen by Savannah Taylor | Communication • 2028

I n early September, Ashton nominated not only because of his success in his classes and the Ram Band, but also because he is a kind, caring, and considerate student both on and off campus. But who is Bucklen and how did he come to Bluefield? Bucklen, who is considered a vital member of Bluefield University’s Ram Band, started learning music at a very young age. It started with his father, a guitar player, teaching Bucklen how to play his instrument. “I wasn’t very good at guitar,” Bucklen recalls, “but I was very interested in music.” And so, the spark that lives in all musicians was born. In middle school, Bucklen went on to learn the euphonium. He quickly advanced after that into playing the trombone, which made him fall in love with music even more. Bucklen was nominated as BU’s “Ram of the Week.” Bucklen was

“By the time I was in the 10th grade, I really knew that it (music) was what I wanted to do with my life,” Bucklen said. When he graduated from Richlands High School, he could play the tuba, trombone, baritone euphonium, and even a bit of trumpet. Bucklen’s knowledge of these instruments means that he knows practically all of the low brass instruments — a more than impressive feat. After high school, Bucklen continued his education at Southwest Community College, which was close to home for him. As his two years there were drawing to a close, Bluefield University became the obvious next step for Bucklen. He was already familiar with Dr. Andy Necessary, BU’s Ram Band director, having received previous instruction from him. Bucklen also said that Bluefield was very open with him, telling him about their Music Department and the many opportunities for musicians at BU. Bluefield University became the obvious choice for Bucklen to continue his higher education on his way to becoming a teacher. Bucklen is pursuing a degree in Instrumental Music Education for K-12. This makes him the first in his family to go beyond an associate’s degree. Bucklen now plays tuba for BU’s Ram Band. The band can be seen bantering and joking with one another often. “We all know each other very well,” Bucklen said. “We’re all friends. There’s never any discourse between us. We’re very tight-knit.” Not only has Bucklen found community within the Ram Band, but he also benefits greatly from it in a few other ways.

“It (the Ram Band) gives structure to my day,” he said. “It gives me something to look forward to, as well. Not that I don’t enjoy coming to class and working toward my degree, but to get to hang out with these people and make good music and have a structured environment, where we create great things, is awesome.” “Awesome” is a sentiment echoed by Dr. Mark Milberger, assistant professor of music and worship arts, and one of Bucklen’s professors. “Ashton is a wonderful, extremely gifted student who always is prepared for class and assignments,” Dr. Milberger said. “He has an infectious laugh and always brightens my day, especially during those early morning Music Theory and Ear Training classes.” Dr. Milberger also spoke about Bucklen’s strong work ethic. He said Bucklen is a very motivated musician and student. “He spends hours in a practice room going over the rudiments and perfecting his craft,” Dr. Milberger said. “He is the model of a servant leader and will be an amazing educator. He is a model of integrity and his work speaks for him.” One might hope to model after Bucklen. In his kindness, he offers these words of wisdom to his peers: “Take it day by day,” he said. “You have to come into it with this mindset of ‘I need this degree. I need this for myself’. Taking it day by day and realizing that you need to do this for yourself is what is going to get you through college.”