SENIOR SALUTE - BAND EDITION
AMBER ROGERS (left), GABRIELLE VARGO and ALEXIS SMITH (right).
Q. When did you start playing your instrument?
A. Rogers: I began playing the clarinet in the fifth grade; the trumpet in my freshman year; and the French horn in my senior year. I chose them because I love the instruments and learning new things.
Vargo: I started playing mallets during this past summer. I wanted to be in the band and this was the only way I could stay in the band.
Smith: I began playing the mellophone the end of my eighth-grade year. Mr. Olesko [band director] needed some mellophone players, so I switched from clarinet. It was the best decision I have ever made.
Q. Best memory of being in band/marching band?
A. Rogers: My friends and singing on the bus on the way home from games.
Vargo: Making new friends and all the laughs we have enjoyed.
Smith: I have this group of friends and we made up dances to the drum cadences. I also enjoyed the dance we did to “Party Rock Anthem.”
Q. Why is music important to you?
A. Rogers: Music is important to me because it helps me to express emotions in a better way than words can. I love so many of the musical numbers we play, but my favorite is “Make Me Smile” by Chicago in Jazz Band.
Vargo: Music saved me. It is a way to express yourself. One of my favorite numbers was “Party Rock Anthem” in my freshman year when we did the shuffle.
Smith: Music has always been a huge part of my life. It’s helped me when I needed guidance, and helped me be strong. I enjoy singing and playing my musical instruments. My favorite musical numbers are “Phantom of the Opera” and “Mame.”
Q. If you were speaking to a group of students about joining the band, what would be your number 1 reason for joining the band?
A. Rogers: Music is an amazing way to create something. To express yourself, your emotions, and share everything with an audience without using a single word. It is a way to connect with people on a much deeper level.
Vargo: It is a good way to make friends with upperclassmen so you are not so intimidated when you enter high school. You make good friends.
Smith: It is the most fun every year and I look forward to band season. There is nothing like band - best experience of my life!
Q. What college do you hope to attend/intended major?
A. Rogers: I am planning to attend either Bowling Green or University of Cincinnati as a music or Psychology major.
Vargo: I am going to attend YSU and major in Psychology.
Smith: I will be attending the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Music Production with a minor in Vocal Performance.