Smoke Machines, Stage Lights, and … History Papers?
A Profile of Dean Sinclair, ’18
Written by Colby Clark
Whether he’s jamming out during a percussion ensemble or tapping out a beat with his pencil while reading for a history class, Dean Sinclair has found a rhythm at Hillsdale that allows him to find his stride musically and academically.
Now a senior, Dean has further progressed toward his goal of becoming a professional musician. He has been the drummer for Chicago-based indie-pop band August Hotel since its inception more than five years ago. After settling on a permanent lineup of musicians, the band released a new EP, Charms, and their single “12AM” has garnered over 100,000 plays on Spotify.
But while Dean is well known on campus for his incredible musicianship and passion for drumming, his college experience cannot be reduced to his percussive exploits. In characteristic Hillsdale fashion, he is a man of many talents. As a member of the College’s big band, percussion ensemble, orchestra, pep band, and a jazz combo, he is immersed in music but also dedicates time to his history major.
“Nothing will prevent me from drumming, but there are times where I have to write a paper and spend time in the library researching for my history major,” Dean said. “But I’ve always loved history, and if I don’t have a career on stage, I would like to spend my time behind a podium in a high-school classroom.”
Students at Hillsdale become skilled jugglers of their passions and commitments, and for Dean, history classes have done nothing to stunt his artistic development.
“The opportunities this school gives its students is incredible” he said. “I get to play so many different genres and styles of music through both campus and off-campus groups, host a radio show, take a class I proposed, and everyone has that same opportunity.”
Dean initially thought moving to a rural college would be daunting, given his commitments to his band. But after finding community in Phi Mu Alpha, a men’s music fraternity, any fears that moving to a rural environment would hinder his artistic pursuits were assuaged.“
Joining Phi Mu Alpha definitely opened me up to the greater music community at Hillsdale College, and through that fraternity I was introduced to so many great musicians, artists, and writers,” he said. “I definitely did not expect to find a group of students like that at Hillsdale, especially with our political reputation.”
Moving to Hillsdale also exposed him and his Chicago-based band to a diverse new fan base, as evidenced by the frequent booking of August Hotel for campus-sponsored events such as the annual Welcome Party.
For Sinclair, the bonds of friendship go beyond shared interests, since the community becomes a part of personal identity. Whatever is in store for August Hotel, Sinclair views the friendships formed while at Hillsdale as the ultimate verification that he chose the right college.
“We just grow and learn not only about our studies, but also about each other and who we are,” he said. “Come graduation, I look forward to watching everyone walk and thinking of how each person impacted my life in their own unique way.”
Colby Clark, ‘18, is a psychology major from Stevensville, MI. He loves playing drum set, and loves playing air drums on his trek to class. His daily schedule is always accompanied by the perfect soundtrack. On breaks, he enjoys hiking through national parks and traveling the country (as much as possible on a college kid budget). He ends most days sprawled out in a comfy armchair with his slippers on, reading by candlelight.