Name: Max James Dowd

Grade: junior

Instrument: French horn

Years of experience: 5 years

Wingspan: How long have you been in the band program?

Dowd: “I have been in band since 6th grade, so five years.”

Wingspan: Do you have a specific role in the band program?

Dowd: “Yes, I am a French horn section leader this year.”

Wingspan: What inspired you to start playing the French horn?

Dowd: “Well, we had an instrument test drive, and I always wanted to do percussion, but then I actually played the French horn and I said wow this is fun.”

Wingspan: What do you love most about playing the French horn?

Dowd: “I love how it sounds and I love the challenge of it.”

Wingspan: What do you enjoy most about being a part of the band program?

Dowd: “I really like playing with a big group of people.”

Wingspan: What has been your favorite piece, and why?

Dowd: “My favorite piece is the one we have been playing this year. It is called The Planets Suite by Gustav Holst, and we have been playing with the orchestra because of the iconic melody.”

Wingspan: What do you find the challenges being in the band program?

Dowd: “It’s a lot of work, especially during marching season; [it takes] a lot of time during the day.”