Throughout the years in high school I have had many mentors and teachers guiding me through this journey. I thought it only fair to highlight their time spent with me and all they have done to get me to where I am now.
Mr. Davenport
I started my high school journey with Mr. Davenport and he has been there for me the whole time. I remember being deadly afraid of Mr. Davenport my freshmen and sophomore year, which was odd since I was in three classes with Davenport sophomore year. It wasn't until the summer before my junior year that the fear dissipated and I realized that he was very much in my corner to support me. I am very thankful for the conversation before my junior year, I was on the brink of quitting after the events of sophomore year. Davenport was always pushing me to be better, and through him I decided to finally take music seriously. WIthout that interaction I probably would have quit band and wouldn't be where I am today. I am very thankful everyday for the oppertunities that have been provided to me because of Mr. Davenport.
Mr. Hutchins
I met Hutchins when I decided to do the pit orchestra for Newsies, he was directing that year. I remember that he pushed all of us to be better and that we were all capable of doing great things. I remember that Hutchins was also very approachable for me and I often found myself in Hutchin's office to just talk about issues bothering me. I always appreciated his approach to certain issues and found it very helpful to navigate my sophomore year. By my senior I found that Hutchins was the positive light when I doubted myself and was always in my corner trying to encourage me. I am glad that I have had a teacher like Hutchins in my life to keep me going.
Dr. Charlotte Ethington
Dr. Ethington has been my oboe teacher for the past two years. I came to meet Charlotte through a mutual friend who had also started taking lessons with her. I finally caved and decided to get lessons for oboe after struggling to learn the instrument on my own. I thought it would be best to learn from someone who specialized in the instrument. In those two years I not only learned about oboe specific techniques but also lessons I can take with me no matter what instrument I play. I am very grateful for everything Dr. Ethington has done to get me to the point where I am.
Dr. Jeff Quamo
Ah yes the man, the myth, the legend. I started lessons with Dr. Quamo at the beginning of my junior year. I had gotten his contact information through a fellow clarinet player who was also taking lessons with him. Once I started studying you could see almost immediate growth. I was very proud of myself and what I was able to accomplish when I started lessons. I am very gratful not only for the experience given to me because of Dr. Quamo but also the connections made because of him. Getting in contact with the clarinet professor was a breeze thanks to him. I know that I would not be where I am as muscian without Dr. Quamo and I will forever be grateful for him.