Music Director Charles Drury has been involved in music since beginning the trombone in the sixth grade. He found inspiration to pursue a career in music education through experience as a member of his high school’s successful marching band.
Recognizing the versatility of music, Drury has been working to expand the music program to accommodate the variety of students’ interests.
“I really look to that as I am an educator: giving my students many opportunities to perform in different contexts — either competitively, or musically or anything,” Drury said. “That’s what I meet our students at, and I’m blessed to be able to do that and be here every day with you all and see what you all like and make music. That’s the point of what we do is to make music and to relate.”
The variety gives students like junior James Murphy the chance to play specific instruments of their choice.
“I had picked up the upright bass and decided to play it because of its importance in a band,” Murphy said.
Because of the many opportunities the music program offers – like jazz band, cover band, choir and orchestra – freshman Euwarma Vandyck was given the chance to perform with her violin during school Mass as a part of her Orchestra class curriculum.
“You just kind of forget [the students] are there,” Vandyck said. “Just focus on the music.”
Having played the drums for four years, freshman Wyatt McLinn expressed his passion for being part of the band program.
“I like to play drums, and if I have the opportunity to play it more, I’ll take it,” McLinn said.
Drury emphasized that a support system is crucial to developing a well-rounded music program.
“That’s what it takes for music too, right?” Drury said.
Drury believes the music program could be beneficial to students as a way for them to participate in something everyone enjoys at a surface level.
“Everybody listens to music, right?” Drury said. “Everybody enjoys a particular part of it. Music’s everywhere.”
