Marin Webber

Grade:  9th grade

Future college: Oklahoma University or University of Texas at Austin

Future Job: biomechanical engineer

Years in band: 4 years

Inspiration: parents

Wingspan: How has your first year being in band gone so far?

Webber: “It’s really fun I’m really enjoying marching band. It’s a lot of work and commitment, but it’s fun.”

Wingspan: Why do you enjoy playing the French horn?

Webber: “Whenever I tell people that I play the French horn, they always say that it’s one of the hardest instruments. I guess I also like the sound it makes and it has a really big range.”

Wingspan: Is there a specific genre or category of music that you like playing?

Webber: “I normally like playing slow music because it’s easier, but on occasion I like a quicker pace also.”

Wingspan: How good would you say your sight reading skills are?

Webber: “On a scale from one to ten, I’d probably say a six or a seven. Because I’ve had practice in middle school, but not as much as other people that have been in band for longer.”

Wingspan: What’s the difference between middle school and high school band?

Webber: “First of all, we stand the entire time, which is not the easiest, but I’m getting used to it. And we spend more time on warm ups.”

Wingspan: What interested you in band?

Webber: “Ever since my brother did it in middle school I’ve always wanted to do band because I like music. It was just something I was interested in.

Wingspan: Where do you see yourself in five years, music wise? Do you want to continue with band?

Webber: “I think so, I don’t really know yet, but I think college band would be cool because my mom did it and she said it was really fun. Either Texas or OU. You get to go to all the football games, and if you’re lucky a few get to go to basketball games.”

Wingspan: Are you wanting to receive scholarships?

Webber: “I don’t know, I mean, there are obviously people that are better than me at French horn, but there’s a chance, so maybe.”

Wingspan: Have you faced any struggles to get where you are as a musician?

Webber: “Yes, I auditioned for All Region Band 7th and 8th grade. I did not make it, sadly. I thought I was gonna make it last year, but that did not happen.” 

Wingspan: Does playing take up a lot of your time?

Webber: “If I’m playing region music, then yes, it takes up my time. But if It’s just concert music, not really.”

Wingspan: Along the lines of being time consuming, is it difficult to maintain a balance between practicing and school work?

Webber: “Yes. I focus more on school work than practicing though because I go to band everyday. I don’t do that with normal classes. And I can practice during advisory.” 

Wingspan: What is your greatest strength in band?

Webber: “For marching band, I guess just being able to march helps. I think for concert season I’ve gotten better at hitting low notes.”

Wingspan: What’s the difference between concert season and marching season? 

Webber: “Well marching we only focus on the show music. And we have master classes every Tuesday, which focuses more on our region stuff, cause I think All Region is in November or December. And during concert season, we stay inside the whole time, no after school practices, unless it’s sectionals. And we also just focus on concert and UIL music.” 

Wingspan: Which one would you say you had to invest more in to?

Webber: “Oh definitely marching band because you’re practicing outside and staying after school, and all of those eight to eight days.” 

Wingspan: What surprised you the most going into high school band?

Webber: “How nice the people were. My section is so nice, like they’re so welcoming, everyone is.”