How is the pressure of being a center snare?

“My previous year on the snare line was my first time being center snare. I’m not gonna lie, it took some adjusting to do as far as maturity and leadership. I started to feel very comfortable in the ‘24 – ‘25 indoor percussion season. The pressure is always on, but can vary because I always have to look out for my fellow snares. I have to always watch the drum major for tempo, but at the end of the day, it’s relieving knowing I’m around a good crowd in the Judson Rocket Band.”

What made your passion for drumming strong?

“When I was in eighth grade, I was given competition music for the TMEA Region Band in 2021. I was confused as to why it was an individual competition and not with the band. I immediately started to seek help from my sister. As I was preparing for this audition, it opened my eyes to be a better musician individually. That same year I had placed first chair in the region and had been my first ever individual audition. Ever since then I’ve had a drive in drumming, it connects with me so much that I have made a daily routine to practice everyday for competitions, additional music and most importantly for fun.”

What would you like to do once you graduate high school?

“That I’m currently trying to figure out right now. I plan to go to a community college and apply for the Alamo Promise then go to my dream university, University of North Texas, major in pharmacy and minor in jazz. With my mom being a registered nurse, she can help me connect and learn with her medical knowledge. Keeping music on the side is something that I will always keep with me because it’s a part of my life.”

If you had to switch instruments, which one would you pick?

“There’s a good question! If I had to narrow it down, I would pick between either piano or saxophone, those being the main melody, jazz instruments. Jazz is my favorite type of music and the piano and saxophone always attracts me with the melody, all the way from Oscar Peterson to John Coltrane. They are big inspirations in the jazz world and I strive to be as music smart as the greats.”

What is the one thing you are looking forward to this year?

“I’m looking forward to the 2025 region jazz auditions because ever since I fell in love with jazz and found out there is a competition specifically for that, it made me hungry and strive to earn a chair in the All State Jazz Band. Me and my amazing private lesson jazz drum instructor, Mike Gómez. are currently studying and preparing for these auditions. We have been for some time now.”

Would you rather never be able to drum again or never be able to eat your favorite food again?

“Sorry, but chicken has to go! Drumming is a part of my life always will be. My personal goal would be to go back to college and get a doctorate in music performance. I am always surrounded by amazing educators anywhere I go and I know they will always have my back.”