Making music

Kallie Erickson is in concert band and wind ensemble, and her primary instrument is the clarinet. She was in all-district band this year. She said, “The best thing about my experience in the band program is the community I gained from it. I’ve made so many friends through the band and because of this I have had a great support system.” She plans to continue playing clarinet in the marching band and performance ensemble at college. Next year she is going to attend Brigham Young University and planning to major in molecular biology.

Meklit Tilahun is a french horn player in Wind Ensemble since sophomore year. She was a part of All County and All District bands for 3 years. According to Tilahun, two of the best musical experiences she had was her freshman year Winter Concert and last year’s assessments. She said, “I just remember the programs holding so much emotional weight and delivery that always reminded me of the reason I first began playing music!” Her plans are to attend Washington and Lee University in the fall as a Johnson Scholar.

John Hatzis, the one hiding in the adjacent photo, plays baritone in Wind Ensemble and earned a spot at All-District Band this year. He said he loves how music has given him a welcoming community of other musicians. In his words, it’s helped him to appreciate musicality and the community, allowing him and his fellow musicians to “to tell stories few others can accurately express.” When Hatzis heads to college, he plans to continue music, probably using his skills towards choir or musical theater.

Seniors share their high school experiences as musicians by Stella Carroll

Logan Benson is the first chair in chamber orchestra for the violas. She plans to play viola for fun in college, but she is also often listening to music so it will continue to be a constant in her life. She is going to the natural science college at Virginia Tech next year and is planning to double major in wildlife conservation and fisheries.

Tiara Bigelow plays the violin. She said, “The best thing about my Orchestra career here was working with my fellow students and friends to orchestrate for our community. Another thing is having a great teacher who actually teaches us lessons and tips about our instrument, or helps us with performing for future pieces.” She is planning to go to college and pursue veterinarian science at Hollins University.

Jake Huggins plays the violin for the Chamber Sinfonia orchestra. He held a seat in All County from 2017 - 2022. He said, “The best parts of my time here was playing and learning from all of the different musicians in the orchestra and getting exposure to many different types of music.” Next year he plans on studying Geology at the University of Wyoming. Alyssa Hernandez plays oboe. She said that performing alongside fantastic friends and getting exposure to meaningful literature that she would’ve never found on her own are two aspects of band that she enjoys. She plans to continue exploring new musical literature, as well as listening to the music that she already loves and seeing live performances. Hernandez will be attending the College of William & Mary as a Monroe Scholar.

Sidney Shore is the Drum Major and plays the electric bass in Jazz Ensemble, as well as Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, and Soprano Sax in the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. He qualified for All State audition, made All District 1st Chair Tenor Sax, made All County 1st Chair Tenor Sax, and is a member Tri-M Honor Society. He said, “For one, the music program was a way for me to develop strong connections with fellow students who share the same passion for music that I do.” He plans to join the marching band at Virginia Tech and continue to play worship music.

Rhyan Primmer is part of the Chamber Orchestra and plays the violin. She said, “The two best things about my musical experience here would be the amazing classmates I have met over the years that I’ve gotten to play with and the teacher, Mr. McDonald, as he has taught me so much and really allowed me to grow more in my knowledge about the violin.” She plans on joining a club next year that plays and possibly taking music theory classes at Regent University. She plans to major in elementary education.