“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.
Habitat fragmentation
Human activity has disturbed the natural equilibrium of the earth. One of the consequences of this increased activity is habitat fragmentation, a consequence that puts species at risk.
Life on earth is meant to maintain a natural equilibrium, but as most people are aware, human activity has drastically altered this balance. Over half the planet’s terrestrial land has been changed throughout the anthropocene– the current geological age heavily influenced by humans. Habitat fragmentation is one of the many byproducts of global urbanization and agricultural expansion.
The separation is caused when structures are built that divide land into portions of various sizes. These structures may include an entire metroplex or just a single fenced off path. Area reduction, increased isolation, and increased borders of terrain are all types of fragmentation that happen across the world. Each has harmful effects on the ecosystems and their coexisting wildlife within those set jurisdictions.
All types of fragmentation risk certain species having decreased access to food and other resources, increased susceptibility to environmental stressors, and a lower overall biodiversity. If the circumstance and distance is extreme enough, disconnection can lead to a species’ extinction. The estranged land makes it difficult for organisms to travel and get nutrients or shelter that had previously been accessible. Global climate change is exacerbating these issues shifting habitable ranges for certain species; the fragmented land may render these climate refugees immobile.
Organisms on the edges of the new and old habitat boundaries could mix together and form a biodiverse region. However, if the new land is used for industrial or agricultural practices, the bordering area may be exposed to pesticides and toxins from runoff, harming the species living in the edges.
Luckily, there are conservationists who are determined to mitigate some of the environmental destruction caused. Creating corridors directly connects hedgerows to certain patches, protecting animal travel. Stepping stones are patches of habitats that incite an eventual movement of species to another area. Buffer zones are implemented to reduce the edge effect, better absorbing the toxins before they affect the organisms. Habitat bridges are built across motorways to help larger animals cross treacherous areas. The largest of these bridges is set to start construction in California this year.
The Santa Monica mountains are going to be connected by a green bridge stretching across the 101, a ten lane highway in Los Angeles, California. Most wildlife crossings eventually pay for themselves from reduced collision costs and other problems avoided. Environmentalists are confident that could set a precedent for architectural designs playing a restorative role for the earth. Structures like the bridge may promote more harmonious living between humans and nature.