Drumroll Please: A Farewell to Seniors in Band
All photos submitted by members of the band
Disha Deepak
“This senior class has been really great. They really understand the core of why this activity is important, and they’ve been extremely encouraging of others expressing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions. They’ve done a good job setting up the band for leadership in the future.”
Band is a community. More than that, band has been described by many students as their second family. It’s helped students grow as musicians, individuals, and leaders, all throughout their years of education. This year, there are 25 seniors in the band, all of whom have devoted countless hours of their time to being in band. Whether it be practicing for concert season, joining jazz band, playing pep music at basketball games, or participating in marching season, every band member is an essential part of the band family. This series is dedicated to honoring the seniors in band, and giving us all a little insight into who they are, their band experience, and the true essence of what it means to be a “band kid.”
Color Guard:
Color Guard: n. A combination of the use of flabs, sabers, mock rifles, and other equipment, as well as dance and interpretive movement. The color guard is a non-musical section that provides additional visual aspects to the marching performance.
“Breathe in the music and breathe out your performance.”
Emma:
Emma Rabideau has been a clarinet player for eight years, and a member of the color guard for four. She does not plan to play the clarinet after high school, but would like to continue with color guard. As captain of the color guard, Emma’s favorite memories from band all stem from marching season, especially the competitions. She stated, “Competitions have always been my favorite part of guard. I love presenting all of our hard work, getting feedback, and trying to do better.” When asked why she enjoys color guard, Emma mentioned the hard work and dedication she puts in, as well as the joy of spending time and performing with such a close-knit group. Emma plans to attend either UW-Eau Claire or UW-Whitewater, with a major in business and marketing.
Kae:
Kae Cunningham has been a member of the HHS color guard for two years. Musical instruments never quite appealed to them, though they still wanted to be a part of the band community. Kae stated, “I’ve always been interested in dance and rhythmic stuff, so color guard seemed like a perfect fit. I enjoy the community as well as the dance and rhythmic presentation. I’ve always enjoyed dance and I loved being able to experience it with a twist alongside my friends.” Outside of color guard, Kae is involved in the Drama Club, GSA, and Girl Scouts. Kae’s advice for future guard members is to not be afraid to join. “You don’t have to be a part of band to join! I wish I joined sooner, and it’s so much fun.” Although their school doesn’t have a marching band, Kae hopes to continue guard as an individual as they attend the psychology or pre-med programs at Loyola University in Chicago.
Sydney:
Sydney Wilson declined to comment, but will be attending UW-Whitewater with a major in business in the fall.
Woodwind:
Rayanna:
Rayanna Parnitzke is third chair in the HHS upper band clarinet section. She originally chose the clarinet for her family, but fell in love with the instrument’s range. She’s been in band for eight years, and although her university doesn’t have a band program, she hopes to continue playing for fun. Outside of band, Rayanna is co-leading a Christian Club at HHS, works at a restaurant outside of school, and is an active member of A Novel Idea. Rayanna’s advice for future band members is to stick with it. She stated, “ Learning to play an instrument is very rewarding if you work for it, and if you can find a group of people to do band with, it makes it all the more enjoyable.” She enjoys band because of the opportunities she’s given to learn, improve, and make new friends. Rayanna will be attending a two-year college to explore programs in medical imaging and healthcare at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Brass:
Ava:
Ava Schweikart has played the trumpet for seven years, and is first chair in the HHS upper band trumpet section. From trying her grandpa’s old trumpet in fifth grade, she’s advanced quite a bit, holding the title of the trumpet section leader this year. When asked why she enjoys band, Ava said, “I enjoy the various styles I am given the chance to play, especially jazz. Band has also allowed me to meet so many people I wouldn't have otherwise and gives me a sense of belonging. So many close friendships have been formed because of it.” Outside of band, Ava volunteers at HAWS and CARE weekly, and is an avid artist. Ava’s advice for incoming band members is to talk to people. “I didn't talk much until my last two years and have made so many amazing connections since then. Any time my section messed around this season was the best. I love how we were all able to joke around with each other. It made the work and long rehearsals enjoyable.” Ava plans to continue playing in college, and will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design, with a major in Illustration.
Jack:
Jack Walker plays the trumpet in concert band, and the bass guitar for jazz band. He’s been playing for seven years, and hopes to continue playing after high school. His favorite part of band is jazz, describing it as more loose than concert band. He also mentioned his love for music, stating, “Originally, I picked trumpet because it looked the easiest, but when we got into more complex pieces and solo ensemble stuff, I really got to appreciate and understand where the trumpet fits in a concert band setting. For jazz, I play bass, and that's my favorite instrument of all time. Bass' role in a jazz setting is such a unique and important one, and the freedom I have when playing for jazz is just amazing.” Outside of band, Jack’s involved in drama and show choir. His advice for future band members, especially during the marching season, is to celebrate every minor success as if it were a major one. Jack will be attending UW-Whitewater in the fall, with a major in English Education.
The following did not respond to the senior survey:
Josef Karnthaler, Samson Mass, Al Pagel, Brayden Rotolo, Ari Volden, Austin DeCraene, Mia Findlay
