Jade Radford

Name:Jade Radford

Grade:12

Instrument:French Horn

Future College: Hopefully Texas A&M University

Future Job: Architect

Years in Band: 4

Inspiration: My mom inspires me to be my best self

Favorite Musician: My favorite horn players are Sarah Willis and David Cooper, but my favorite

composer is either John Williams or Ramin Djawadi

Wingspan: What made you choose the french horn?

Radford: In middle school I knew I wanted to do band so I went in to try an instrument and I

initially wanted to play the clarinet. When I went around the band hall trying different instruments

I was way better at all the brass instruments than the woodwind instruments, and I was

particularly good at the french horn. I also thought it was really pretty so I ended up choosing it.

Wingspan:What made you want to become a drum major?

Radford: It’s always been a goal of mine since freshman year to be one. I looked up to all three

of my drum majors freshman year and I told myself that I wanted to be just like them. I was

fascinated with conducting and leading the band because it just looked so fun to me. I kept

working hard at the band leadership team over the years and actually tried out for drum major

twice. I finally made it this year and I am so excited to spend my last year in the Liberty

Marching Band as one of the drum majors!

Wingspan:How does band impact your daily life?

Radford: I would be a completely different person without band. Not only have I been able to

improve as a musician and play really cool pieces of music, but I have grown as a person

because of this program. I am constantly surrounded by positivity and leadership. Both having

to play in front of my peers as well as lead them along with the band leadership team has made

a kinder and more confident person. In addition to this, band is a huge commitment and I’ve

sacrificed a ton of time and sweat into the program. This has definitely forced me to not

procrastinate anything and manage my time better.

Wingspan:Are you considering continuing band into college and beyond? Why?

Radford: Unfortunately, I will not be continuing band into college. I’m going to major in

architecture which will take up most of my time so I won’t have time for both band and

architecture. I will however continue my love for music by listening to orchestral music and

movie soundtracks, going to symphony concerts, and much more.

Wingspan:What are your personal goals for this year?

Radford: I think that really a big goal of mine is to just enjoy the last year of high school. I’ve

grown so much as a person these past years and I just want to take this last year to reflect on

everything and appreciate the time I’ve had. I’m never going to get to go back to high school in

my life so I want to make this last year worth it.

Wingspan:What is your favorite thing about marching band?

Radford: My favorite thing about marching band is probably the social aspect. As much as I love

playing super cool music, I just love being around my best friends for hours every week. Going

to competitions and football games with these people is amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for

anything.

Wingspan:How do you balance band, school, and any other extracurriculars?

Radford: It’s definitely a bit of a challenge given that I have a job, I’m in band, and I take high

level classes at school. I think the thing that has kept me organized is to separate work and

play. It’s definitely a time management thing and setting my priorities. Also, communication is

absolutely essential when it comes to balancing all these different activities because everyone

expects a lot out of you. I make sure to communicate with my directors, teachers, and my

managers at work.

Wingspan:What’s your favorite memory of the band?

Radford: My favorite memory in band was freshman year when we had a competition on

saturday and we all went to the mall in the middle of the day. It was super fun and we all walked

around and ate food! I remember for some reason drinking multiple venti iced coffees from

starbucks and then immediately passing out when we got back on the bus.

Wingspan:What is your advice to anybody thinking about joining a band?

Radford: Understand that it is a big time commitment, but also understand that it is the most

rewarding experience ever. The directors are amazing people and if you need anything they are

always there to help and listen the best they can. Even if you don’t want to major in music in the

future, still do it! I know tons of people including myself who aren’t majoring in music but we still

love it so much. It’s so rewarding working for something for four years and just looking back on it all and seeing how much you and your peers have grown.

Wingspan:If you had to pick a different instrument to play what would it be?

Radford: In band I would probably pick either the trombone or the euphonium. I think brass

instruments are just really pretty. However if it could be any instrument, not just in band, I have

always wanted to play the cello. I’ve always been in love with the sound of it and love listening

to cello pieces on Spotify.