Melissa McCrimmon
Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
Major: History
Minors: Music Performace, Russian
When Melissa McCrimmon graduated from high school, her teachers expected her to attend a music conservatory. But as much as Melissa loved music, she longed to explore other interests.
Interested in foreign travel and cultures and in producing historical documentaries, Melissa decided to major in history, with minors in music performance and the Russian language.
When she discovered she didn’t have to be a music major to participate in ensembles or take lessons at Allegheny, Melissa signed up for oboe lessons with a member of the Erie Philharmonic. “Within those first few lessons, I improved my technique and discovered that I can express myself, something I’d never been able to do prior to coming to Allegheny,” she says.
Melissa now plays first oboe in the College’s Civic Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony and Woodwind Quintet. She played first oboe in the 2001 National Intercollegiate Band and the Pennsylvania All State Intecollegiate Band. She performed at the Allegheny Summer Music Festival and teaches oboe to local students. She studied Russian music and history during a semester in Moscow. Capping her senior year, Melissa played co-principal oboe for the 2003 National Small Intercollegiate Band.
“My professors not only challenge me academically, they support my musical endeavors...For example, all of my history, music, communication arts and Russian professors attended my spring recital,” she says. “All of my music major friends at other colleges and universities envy my opportunities here at Allegheny.”
