My niece got her very own article in the school newspaper! She was the Student Feature. Neat, huh?
I did edit snippets of the article, for privacy's sake.
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October 9, 2012
Sophomore Autumn **** knows everyone is watching her. One wrong move and she could ruin a performance; the intricate motion of her fingers direct the elite army of green and black suits known as the T------ Band. They are commanded by Autumn, the Drum Major.
When Autumn was selected to be one of the three drum majors she was shocked. A coveted spot usually reserved for juniors and seniors was now hers. At first she couldn’t understand why they chose her, but since then she’s transformed herself into the leader her directors know she is. She is no longer just a shy freshman.
“They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Band made me a lot more outgoing than I would’ve been.”
Her passion for marching band was inspired by her brother, senior trumpet player Luke ****. Watching her brother perform at Friday night football games pushed her to audition. She even ended up playing the same instrument.
“I wasn’t going to play the trumpet,” she said. “But I changed at the last minute because my brother played trumpet.”
She has played the trumpet since the sixth grade, but it wasn’t until last year after marching season that she fell in love with conducting.
“I started conducting at leadership camp after I took a conducting class,” she said.
However, being a drum major isn’t all fun and games. It’s a lot of hard work and an immense responsibility.
“I feel like I have no time trying to balance school, friends, and being a drum major,” **** said.
Although the Karate black belt had to give up training and cut back on some of her favorite pastimes like going to the animal shelter with her dad, scrapbooking or hanging out with friends, she knows it’s worth it.
“Being on the podium, you’re in control when they hit the impacts,” **** said. “It sounds amazing.”
For her first year on the podium she will be conducting the Latin circus inspired show “Celebracíon.” Autumn is excited and a little anxious about the challenge.
“It’s definitely a lot more challenging. Normally we go with classical music, but this year we are doing Latin which has much harder rhythms.”
Another added element is the choreography. According to ****, the high energy show means a lot more choreography than in previous years.
“What they’re doing on the field has never been done before,” she said. “It’s nerve-racking because if I mess up someone will be off.”
Even though she is under a lot of pressure, she’s confident that her and her fellow band mate’s talent and dedication will be enough for a great season.
“We do as well as we can in everything we do.”
1. In what ways do you indulge yourself?
Warm cups of cappuccino, and every once in a while a Milano or Geneva cookie to go with it. As a rule, I indulge in the latter during the holidays.
2. Have you ever taken a cooking class? Any interest? What type of class would you most like to try?
No... No way... The class of nothing.
3. What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
4. 'Tis the season of the political advert...do these ads influence your vote?
Not in the least. I find all politicians to be self-serving. It's a matter of picking the lesser of evils.
5. What's something you see today that makes you wish you were a kid again?
Can't think of anything I've seen today, but seeing those Disney classics on YouTube take me back.
6. What's your least favorite cliche?
"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."
7. What percentage of your Christmas shopping has been completed? How does that make you feel?
I've done absolutely no Christmas shopping yet, and it's something I dread.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
BEST CLASSIC EVER!
- It isn't cool outside... it's pretty dang hot and sticky actually, at 93 degrees with 96% humidity... so we thought we'd bring a little bit of fall into the house at least.
We borrowed the idea from something we saw in a magazine recently. I really want to put a little field mouse figurine or something like that in there. I think that would be such a cute little addition to a fall scene.
- This is really unusual and a strange coincidence. Yesterday my mother and I went to a few stores, and while standing in line at Hobby Lobby I started feeling bad.
My hip was killing me, as it always does when I'm out and about, and it was so hot and crowded in the store. The line was really slow, the cashier was waiting for a price check on some guy's purchases, and the store was really hot. (I don't know why, considering the climate around here, but in the stores and mall they never have the AC turned up). After I FINALLY was out the door I started going downhill so fast. My vision was going... everything looked pixelated and like bright white light... my legs could hardly move. I barely made it to the car in the knick of time. I've felt faint before, but never like this. It was very frightening. I felt awful for Mom because she was really worried, after what she went through herself last week... having to go to ER and everything for heat stroke and dehydration.
Thank goodness she had some water in the car, as well as some bottled water with electrolytes in it. I took a few slugs of that, and after a few minutes I was fine again. I think the problem was I barely ate or drank anything that day. I will NOT be doing that again! Still, it was an awfully strange coincidence after what happened to Mom.
On the way home we went to the McDonald's drive-thru for french fries. Which made the girls happy since I always share my fries with them.
- In the mornings there are always loads of little chickadees in the bush outside Mom's bedroom window. She tried getting video of them, but they're awfully camera shy and kept flying off.
i was a 2-year drum major ;) and i played trumpet, also! tell her congrats from one of her sorority sisters!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post. You have a very nice blog. Your Hodgepodge answers are short but to the point. I absolutely love your fall decorations, so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI rarely buy cookies anymore but I used to love the Milanos...I haven't had one in years. Now I feel the need to go out and buy a bag : ) Enjoy your day!
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