“For me, Shenandoah was about more than just academics,” said Joseph Heary ’85, ’88. “It was a place where I grew as a musician and as a person—through the people I met, the time spent collaborating, and the experiences that carried beyond the classroom.”
Heary chose Shenandoah for its size, location and the welcoming experience he had while auditioning at Shenandoah Conservatory. He valued the strong sense of community, spending countless hours with classmates both in and out of the classroom, and looked forward each year to returning to campus and the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.
After graduation, Heary enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Band of New England, serving during the Gulf War as an instrumentalist. He considers his military service one of the most rewarding experiences of his career, valuing both the opportunity to apply his musical training in service to his country and to work alongside exceptional musicians who broadened his perspective on life.
“I’ve come to appreciate not just the education I received, but the opportunities that came with it,” said Heary. “Those experiences truly shaped who I am today, and I feel a responsibility to help create those same opportunities for others and support them along their own journey.”