Growing up, I knew that I loved music. This was not solely informed by piano lessons (never forced) or all the time I spent squeaking out "Canon in D" on my plywood violin. I had an affinity for the lyrical and melodic in life - and it was the first thing I looked for when I came onto campus. Now that we're in Blue Jay Day season (welcome, Class of 2030 !), I can't help but recall my own experiences coming into Hopkins. I remember hearing the Octopodes perform for the first time during my own Bl