SENIOR SALUTE — BAND EDITION

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KATE LANDRY, KRISTA THOMPSON and KRISTA NOLFI.

Kate Landry: Mellophone, Flute, Piano

Krista Thompson: Oboe, Clarinet, English Horn, French Horn and Flag Line

Krista Nolfi: Trumpet, Piano

Q. When did you start playing your instrument?

A. Kate: I started playing the piano in the second grade and it was my lesson teacher who encouraged me to play the flute - she also taught flute lessons. So I started playing the flute in the fifth-grade, and I started playing the mellophone for marching band during my freshman year because I wanted to be in the same squad as my older sister.

Kristen: I play various instruments such as the clarinet, oboe, English horn and French horn. I first started off on the clarinet, but soon switched in the seventh-grade to oboe due to it being more challenging.

Krista: I began playing the piano when I was 4-years-old because I wanted to learn how to play. When I was in the fifth-grade I began to play the trumpet. I chose the trumpet because it was what my dad played when he was in high school.

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

A. Kate: My best memories of marching band have been when we attended Massillon Band Night because that is where I have realized why we do this. It is so rewarding to see what we accomplish as a band with all of our hard work.

Kristen: My favorite memory of band is our annual water balloon fight after practice. And - of course - pelting our band director with the balloons. After several weeks of hard work and practice is this when we can have some fun.

Krista: My favorite memory is from my freshman year during spirit week. Every day we have a different theme and on Friday we had a huge water balloon fight. It was freshman and sophomores versus the juniors and seniors. We thought we had so many balloons until we saw the other side, but it was still a lot of fun.

Q. Why is music important to you?

A. Kate: Music is something I’ve always enjoyed in my free time, and it is a great way to take your mind off of things and relax. I have really enjoyed our half-time show this year.

Kristen: Music has always been a major part of my life. I just love “The Nutcracker” and it was by far one of the most enjoyable performances.

Krista: Music is important to me because I grew up with it, and it has become a part of my life. My favorite song was “All of the Lights,” which we played my freshman year because we did a big choreographed dance. Another favorite was in my junior year when we played the “Avengers” medley because it was a lot fun and the audience really enjoyed it.

Q. If you were speaking to a group of fifth-grade students who were thinking of joining the band, what would you tell them is the number 1 reason for joining the band?

A. Kate: Music is a great hobby to start at a young age and to continue as you get older, even if you do not pursue music as your career. Band is where you will meet many great people who will become your closest friends.

Kristen: I originally joined band to go on trips and meet new people. However, I found that band is something I was great at and I love being part of it.

Krista: The best part of being in the marching band is the friendships you make. Everyone starts the same - just learning instruments, but then as you get older and better the friendships you have grown much stronger.

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

A. Kate: I do not know what college I will be attending at this time, but I am considering a major in Music or Math.

Kristen: I would like to attend Youngstown State University with possibly a major in Software Engineering, with a minor in Photography.

Krista: I am undecided on where I would like to attend college at this time. However, I am considering Ohio University or Kent State University and major in Speech Pathology or Architecture.