Name: Kaitlyn Straub

Grade: junior

Experience: 6 years

Wingspan: When did you start playing, and why did you decide to keep playing?

Straub: “I started playing about in 6th grade, and I have been playing for coming upon six years now. I continue to play the trombone because, one, my mom forced me to all throughout middle school. But then when I got into high school, it got a lot more enjoyable. I just kinda continued playing it because I enjoyed it a lot, and there were a lot more friends I had and we all had a lot of common interests between us.”

Wingspan: Why did you choose the trombone?

Straub: “I chose the trombone because it had a big slide-y thingy, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can hit the people’s heads in front of me.’ Kinda violent, but it’s fine, I love sixth grade me. Also, I wanted to play the oboe but there was this uncertainty since you might get it, you might not. I was like absolutely not because I have terrible luck, I’m not going to get in. So I chose the safer option, which is the trombone.”

Wingspan: What is your favorite memory of trombone?

Straub: “I really enjoy head choppers and everything behind it, including all the rehearsals and learning it. Additionally, having the thrill of going down onto the field and doing the routine that you’ve been working so hard on every week in front of everyone and just knowing that everyone enjoys it so much, and that it is such a big part of the football games, is really inspiring.”

Wingspan: What is your favorite piece of music to play?

Straub: “My favorite music piece to play is my solo from last year, and it was Marques Symphonique. I really fell in love with that piece as I was learning it, and had a really fun time because I enjoyed it. However, there is also one other which I have to make an honorable mention to, which is the Devil’s Waltz. It is a duet, and I haven’t learned it all the way through yet, but it is a beautiful piece of music that I really enjoy listening to.”

Wingspan: Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to trombone?

Straub: “My biggest inspiration is definitely my past section leader, who is Zachary Ford. They are the icon of the era. They played amazingly and were just amazing overall. They also always inspired me to practice every day, and I had a great time with them in general.”