I had the fortune of being a member of the Moon Area High School Marching Band for all 4 years of high school.  I was also a member of Jazz Band and the Pit Orchestra ensembles.  The greatest skill I gained from participating in band was time management.  I learned how to balance schoolwork, marching band, and a social life.  I made close friends and, through the process, gained valuable communication skills.  Above all, though, I simply had fun every practice and experienced the unmatched satisfaction of being a part of something bigger than myself

As someone who decided to pursue music as a career, I was lucky enough to be immersed in such a rich, diverse music program in high school, one that prepared me for my college and professional career.  I was a percussionist in Moon’s Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble, as well as a pianist in their Orchestra and Jazz Band.  The high expectations held by Moon’s band staff not only pushed me to become a better musician, but also shaped me into becoming a better person.  Beyond the growth that I experienced as a musician, I formed relationships with students and staff alike that enhanced my overall high school experience.  Such relationships allowed me the opportunity to return to Moon’s music program as a staff member for their Marching Band.  I currently hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music Technology from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and am pursuing my graduate degree in Acoustics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.  Thank you to Mr. Barthen and all of Moon’s music program staff, for all that you have done for this program and its students.