“When it came time for instrument try-outs in fifth grade, the clarinet was the only instrument I could make a sound with. My musical future looked pretty bleak until I grew to admire the depth and richness of my clarinet’s sound. From there, I practiced, failed, and grew to get to where I am today.”
Adarsh Javvaji
Name: Adarsh Javvaji
Grade: 12th
Instrument: Clarinet
Future College: Hopefully UT Austin – Plan II Honors Program
Future Job: Health or Clinical Psychologist
Years in Band: 6
Inspiration: Jamie Weaver and Holly Hang
Favorite Musicians: Barcelona Clarinet Players
Wingspan: What made you choose the clarinet?
Javvaji: “When it came time for instrument try-outs in fifth grade, the clarinet was the only instrument I could make a sound with. My musical future looked pretty bleak until I grew to admire the depth and richness of my clarinet’s sound. From there, I practiced, failed, and grew to get to where I am today.”
Wingspan: What made you want to choose to do band?
Javvaji: “My friends who stuck with me through elementary school and a general desire to play a wind instrument.”
Wingspan: How does band impact your daily life?
Javvaji: “It gives me an escape from stress, a community I can call home, and sparks of creativity to drive my passions.”
Wingspan: Are you considering continuing band beyond? Why?
Javvaji: “I am considering playing in a college wind ensemble or orchestra program and possibly performing in a marching band to make new friends and build new memories.”
Wingspan: What are your personal goals for this year?
Javvaji: “I hope to make the band and LHS a better place before I graduate and hopefully inspire some people. If I can elicit some sort of a positive change in this climate, it’ll be well worth it.”
Wingspan: What is your favorite thing about marching band?
Javvaji: “I like the intimacy and closeness of it all. You don’t necessarily ever feel isolated from a part of the band, and it’s inspiring to see the interconnectedness of everything.”
Wingspan: How do you balance band, school, and any other extracurriculars?
Javvaji: “Aside from my role in the band, I am a second-year student in the ISM Program. I’ve learned to systematically organize my time in such a way to leave most of the physical day planned out so when I have creative sparks, I can run with it and do some good. Strategic planning also leaves me in a position to help others on a deeper level than if I’m just worrying about myself.”
Wingspan: What’s your favorite memory of the band?
Javvaji: “Some of my fondest memories have been when our band cheered on other groups at competitions. That sort of commitment to being who we are has stuck with me the most. My favorite individual memory was on December 9th when I saw my name at the top of the region band list. I had been dealing with uncertainty and anxiety so seeing my hard work pay off was inspiring, to say the least.”
Wingspan: What is your advice to anybody thinking about joining the band?
Javvaji: “Consider joining any one of Liberty’s performing arts programs if you’re looking for an escape and a community. If you’re interested in the fall season band activities and don’t play an instrument, join the colorguard program. You won’t be disappointed.”
Wingspan: Why did you want to become a section leader?
Javvaji: “I felt it was the natural position I had to rise to given my relationships with the rest of the clarinet section. They’d been with me since I started and I wanted to help them grow. I hope in the two years I’ve had the role that I’ve been able to inspire them and the rest of the ensemble.