Marching Band a ‘special opportunity’ for MHA student

Selin Timur came to Columbus with one goal in mind: she wanted to play the baritone in The Ohio State University Marching Band. 

Getting in was stiff competition. She tried out twice before achieving her goal, an experience she said only made her want it more. Since making the cut her junior year, fall semesters have been marked by long practices memorizing new half time shows and additional daily preparation on her own time.

“People don’t expect it to be as intense as it is, but it’s very physically and mentally demanding,” she said. “You have to learn how to manage your stress, manage your time. It’s something that’s not for everyone, but it’s such a special opportunity.”

Timur learned how to manage her marching band commitments with her academic and professional goals while pursuing her undergraduate degree in sociology and a minor in biology. With dreams of working in a hospital setting, she joined the College of Public Health’s Master of Health Administration program in August. She is currently the only CPH student to play in the band.

Ohio State kicked off the 2022 season with an unprecedented stretch of five home games in a row — a taxing undertaking, Timur said, but game days in Ohio Stadium make it all worth it. Timur spends the first part of Saturday home games mentally preparing to perform and running through the show one final time. By the time the band steps onto the field at half time, all her attention is in gear.

“You’re just on adrenaline at that point,” she said. “You’re on a high for the whole game after that and you just have fun in the stands.”

Timur said she will never forget playing Carmen Ohio after the Buckeyes’ Rose Bowl win against Utah last season. She remembers standing on the field after the game, soaking in the moment with her bandmates.

“We were rubbing our gloves on the endzones to get red-dyed hands,” she said. “We had roses in our mouths as the confetti was going.” 

Timur (right) marches with fellow baritone players.

The most rewarding parts of being in the band have been the close friendships she’s made and the responsibility she’s cultivated during her three years in the band. Contributing to the band’s storied history is her way of giving back to Ohio State, she said.

Hanna Hutchins, a squad leader and fellow baritone player, said Timur’s strong will and determination sets her apart. Timur and Hutchins got to know one another as members of the Athletic Band and through participation in marching band summer sessions ahead of annual tryouts.

“She’s really good at staying on top of things and knowing what needs to be accomplished,” said Hutchins, a graduate student in public administration. “It’s been really great to see how she’s grown over the years.” 

Passion for health equity

Timur’s drive to help others and a desire to contribute to advancing health equity is what led her to public health, she said. She started a job as a pharmacy technician in spring 2020, an experience that gave her new insight on the complexities of the health care system and highlighted the inequities associated with out-of-pocket medical expenses. 

“Two different people can have such different perspectives” on what is affordable, she said.

In addition to assisting with medication preparation and dispersion, Timur has immunized more than 350 people against COVID-19.

With plans to graduate in 2024, Timur will join the Navy as a health care administrator as part of the Health Services Collegiate Program, which supports students in health care fields. She is proud to join the Navy as a first-generation service member, she said.

“The Navy just has such a complex and amazing history to me,” she said. “If you’re in the Navy, you know you’ve worked hard.”