Senior salute: Band edition

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Names: Ashlee Weaver and Alek BallInstrument(s): Ashlee: Flute, Piccolo; Alek: Saxophone, Bassoon

Q. When did you start playing your instrument?

A. Ashlee began playing the flute and Alek began playing the saxophone when they were in the fifth grade. They each started playing their second instrument within the past couple of years.

Q. Best memory of being in band/marching band?

A. Some of the best memories of band for Ashlee and Alek have been playing at Massillon Band Night each year. They remember in their freshman year it started raining in the middle of their performance and they were wearing the brand new band uniforms, which officially got “broken in” that night. Another year, all of the songs Poland was going to play for their performance were played by other schools before Poland got to perform.

Ashlee also said that aside from the Massillon trips, the trip to Disney World during Spring Break of her freshman year was her most favorite band trip. “We marched through Epcot and went to the different parks. Marching was a great experience and running around the parks and riding rides with my friends was also a lot of fun.”

Alek said his most memorable trip by far was the PSHS Marching Band’s trip to New Orleans for the BCS National Championship Game. He will never forget this experience for the rest of his life. “I have loved football since a young age, and it was an exciting thought that I would march during halftime of Alabama vs. LSU.” He also said there was so much culture in the city; you could live there for years before you embrace it fully. This trip was truly Alek’s highlight of his high school career.

Q. What competitions did you participate in and awards you won?

A. Ashlee has played both solos and ensembles in the annual Solo and Ensemble contest, and played in the wind ensemble for District Contest. Alek has been a member of the Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra for the past three years. He also participated in the District V Honors Band in 2011. This year, Alek plans to participate in the Northeast Regional Honors Orchestra.

Q. Why is music important to you?

A. Ashlee believes that everyone should have some sort of musical education or experience. Not only is music purely enjoyable and fun, but she feels like it’s one thing that so many different people can connect with. Ashlee said she has made many friends in and created memories that she will never forget. “A lot of people can bond over similar interests in music, while appreciating it as a creation or expression at the same time.

Alek said that music is important to him for many different reasons. He loves playing in orchestra because it is much different than playing in a concert band. However, he also loves marching band and playing in the PSHS Wind Ensemble because he plays music that he enjoys with his friends. “Music is a great bridge-builder and it allows friendships to be made so much easier.”

Q. What college do you hope to attend/intended major?

A. Ashlee is undecided as to what college she will be attending. Some of her top choices are Northwestern University, Pitt and Case Western Reserve University. Her intended major is Pre-Med, possibly with a minor in Journalism or English.

Alek is also undecided at this time, but some of the colleges that have piqued his interest are College of Wooster, Ohio Wesleyan University and Georgetown University. He may possibly major in Chemistry or Political Science, and hopes to involve Latin into his college experience.