SENIOR SALUTE: BAND EDITION
MARIAH MROFCHAK, CHARLIE DWYER and NICOLE RUSE.
Mariah Mrofchak: Flute and Piccolo
Charlie Dwyer: Trombone
Nicole Ruse: Piano and Flagline
Q. When did you start playing your instrument?
A. Mariah: I began playing the flute in the fourth grade because my siblings both played woodwind instruments and I did want to be left out. I then chose to play the piccolo in the eighth grade because I knew it was loud and annoying.
Charlie: I started playing the trombone in the fifth grade because my grandpa played the trombone when he was younger.
Nicole: I first started playing the piano when I was in 4-years-old. I wanted to play the piano because I love the way it sounds. I also twirl on Flagline, and it is a lot of fun to do and learn.
Q. Best memory of being in band/marching band?
A. Mariah: My best memory of marching band was performing in the New Year’s Parade at Walt Disney World my sophomore year. The experience was unforgettable and I loved spending the week with all of my band friends.
Charlie: Some of my favorite memories have been when the marching band performs yearly at Canfield Band Night and Massillon Band Night, they have been a lot of fun. I also have enjoyed every game night and going out afterwards with people from the band.
Nicole: My best memory of marching band is going to Massillon Band Night because it was amazing to watch all of the different bands, and then perform for such a big crowd.
Q. Why is music important to you?
A. Mariah: Music is my favorite way to relieve stress and still have fun. Some of my favorite songs we performed are, “The Safety Dance” and “All of the Lights” because the drills were a lot of fun to learn.
Charlie: I like music because it can make you feel things unlike anything else. Some of my favorite songs to perform were the “Avenger Medley” from last year, and I like the “James Bond Medley” we are playing this year.
Nicole: Music is important to me because I love to listen to it. Marching band is important to me because it made me feel like a part of something big. My favorite musical numbers to twirl to were the “Pop Medley” and the “Daft Punk Medley” the band is playing this year.
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. Mariah: I have met some of my best friends for life through band. Band has a different meaning to each person involved, and in my opinion, it is the only place where you are truly accepted for who you are.
Charlie: Band is a lot hard work, but it makes you feel good when the end product sounds great and makes all of the work worth it.
Nicole: Marching band is a great way to make friends and be a part of something that is exciting and fun.
Q. What college do you hope to attend/intended major?
A. Mariah: I hope to attend YSU and major in Pre-Pharmacy, with an emphasis in Chemistry. I then want to finish my Pharmacy degree at NEOMED,
Charlie: I would like to attend YSU and major in Chemical Engineering.
Nicole: I hope to attend Ohio State University and major in Chemical Engineering.