WHO: Cassie Malchak, 24
WHAT: Piccolo player in the UWEC Marching Band
LIVES: Lake Hallie
IN THE CITY FOR: 4 years

We caught up with Cassie just before the UWEC Marching Band left for their Spring Break European Tour, a week and a half long trip in which the UMB brought their marching madness to the streets of Venice, Paris, and London.

You’re headed to London, Paris and Venice soon. Which city are you most excited to visit? I took French for three years and have always wanted to go to France, so I am definitely most excited to visit Paris.

What is a cultural experience you hope to have in Europe? I took a cruise my junior year of high school and they had escargot on the menu and I didn’t try it, so while in Paris I am going to take the plunge and try escargot.

If you could rename Eau Claire with a different French name what would it be? Le terrain d’aigle meaning “Eagle’s Land” after the story of Abe the Eagle during the Civil War.

The term band geek, is it derogatory or a badge of honor? Band geek is a badge of honor. The Blugold Marching Band is an awesome organization and I am proud to say that I am a member.

Favorite music store in town? Schmitt Music. It is currently where my instrument is being fixed and where I go for everything music-related.

What CD would you recommend to the members of City Council? Love on the Inside by Sugarland. I saw them in concert a couple of years ago and I just love that CD. Either that or the CD of the BMB’s 2009 Season!

What place in town would consider you a regular? I consider myself a regular of Water Street. I’ve been really busy lately so any time that I just get a chance to lay back and relax I hang out with friends on Water Street whether it be dinner at El Patio or visiting any of the other fine establishments on Water Street.

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve had in the Chippewa Valley? Last year I went to a pow-wow held in Zorn Arena. Originally, I went because of a class, but it was actually really interesting to see the way native peoples do things.

What frustrates you about the Chippewa Valley? I hate driving on Clairemont when it is busy. It seems like everyone and their brother is out there driving and going EXACTLY the speed limit. I’m sorry, but I would like to get to work sometime in the near future and don’t even get me started about when it starts raining or snowing.

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be? Hmmm ... this is a hard one as I am a fan of many, but I would have to say the nachos at Cancun Mexican Restaurant with a margarita because they do make the best. To top it all off with dessert, an ice cream cone from Olson’s Ice Cream in Chippewa Falls. If you have never had any, do it! It is AMAZING!!!