Student Spotlight: Aryn Nester, Trombone
"I am a very emotional person by nature. . . I used to hate it. . . I realized over the years that being an emotional person is very much a strength because it shows how much I care about the things I do. I try to be very kind to myself as a musician and as a person.”
Thank you, music educators!
Our music teachers played an important role in our music journey. This Thanksgiving, the Michigan Marching Band wants to celebrate our wonderful music educators for all that they do.
Student Spotlight: Blake Brdak, Drum major
“Something I really appreciate about the MMB is that we put an emphasis on friendship and collaboration in leadership, and we build a community through that leadership. The leaders that have inspired me most are the ones that make me feel valued and who are genuinely friends with mee and tke the time to get to know me as a person. That’s what I want to do in my role: I want to be their friend and make their college experience great, like others did for me.”
Student Spotlight: Sukhpreet Singh, Trombone
“Everyone can depend on one another," Singh said. "We can talk to one another and we support each other's achievements. We go to one another's concerts and events. We are not just confined to band; we are a family in every aspect.”
Student Spotlight: Ashley Sheil, twirler
“We are competitors, but also friends. We all love each other and can’t wait to see where we all end up. . . It’s a cool little world we all share.”
Student Spotlight: Emily Zamora, Trumpet
“Getting to know the students was the best part,” Zamora said. “Learning about what made students click. And it showed up in their schoolwork. They were more confident in their work. We would adjust the curriculum to give the students a valuable learning experience that was on pace with them.”
Student Spotlight: Lindsay Adlhoch, Clarinet
"I have also become much more outgoing. I wouldn't do public speaking, and now I am giving speeches and talking to people. It's something I still struggle with but I've improved a lot because I have that community. I am TBS president. I am roommates with the KKPSI president. It's super awesome to have that tight-knit family that wants the best for the band and works really hard."
Student Spotlight: Katherine Ellis, Horn
"I loved chemistry and I've known I wanted to be an engineer since middle school," Ellis said. "I love the problem solving and the artistry involved in making the solution work in the best way possible.”
Student Spotlight: Ryan Kozak, Euphonium
"It's so collaborative, so encouraging and there's so little judgement. There is no animosity—only love. Everyone wants to see one another improve.”
Student Spotlight: Amy Tan, Flag
It's 7am on a gameday Saturday in Ann Arbor. The city is woken up by echoes of The Victors; the band has taken the field. But even before a single note has been played, there is activity on Elbel. The Michigan flags have been hard at work since 6am. Among them is sophomore Amy Tan.
Student Spotlight: Alex Peck, trumpet
“We all stood in silence during [the sirens]. People stopped their cars and got out into the street; everything came to a standstill.”
Student Spotlight: Lauren McKenzie, piccolo
“It was so interesting to watch as all of these scientists worked with government officials to tackle a huge public health issue. I saw all of the work that went into studying diseases and I was so enthralled with that world; I wanted to be a part of it.”