Joshua Mark

Name: Joshua Mark

Grade: 11

Instrument: oboe

Future College: hopefully Georgia Tech

Future Job: Design Architect

Years in Band: this is my 6th year in band

Inspiration: my father

Favorite Musician: John Dee

Wingspan: What made you choose the oboe?

Mark: “Well actually, I wanted to play saxophone, but my hands were too small, so they put me on oboe and I ended up really enjoying it!”

Wingspan:What made you want to choose to do band?

Mark: “Seeing how much fun my sister had made me want to try it, so I decided to see how I liked it after the first year, and I loved it!”

Wingspan:How does band impact your daily life?

Mark: “I have made such a large community and group of friends through band, who I get to talk to and enjoy life with every day.”

Wingspan:Are you considering continuing band beyond? Why?

Mark: “I have considered doing band beyond high school, but I’d probably continue on saxophone rather than oboe. This is because I really enjoy music and being able to perform.”

Wingspan:What are your personal goals for this year?

Mark: “This year, I hope to be able to get better as an oboist, saxophonist, and a musician in general!”

Wingspan:What is your favorite thing about marching band?

Mark: “I love how much closer I am able to bond with friends through marching band. I am able to learn and have so much fun with everybody, which provides for much stronger friendships.”

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

Mark: “I make sure to plan the week ahead of me, leaving spare time in case anything else pops up. This way, I am able to get everything I need to do done, and still have time left over for myself.”

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

Mark: “My favorite memory was the spring trip my freshman year, and we visited a pier with lots of rides and attractions. My friends convinced me to go on the tallest ride there (despite my fear of heights), and it was the most fun I’ve had in awhile.”

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

Mark: “If you’re thinking about it, then there is some part of you that wants to do it. I would recommend trying it and seeing how you like it, and most likely, you’ll want to continue. If not, that’s fine, but at least you got the opportunity and experience.”

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

Mark: “I already play the saxophone as well as the oboe, so picking a different instrument would probably leave me with the clarinet.”