Band student Shelby Johnson, a sophomore at ACP has made a great accomplishment. She and a few others have received the honor of participating in the All-State band! This is an amazing accomplishment, and everyone at ACP is rooting for them and we know you will all do great. Music plays a very important role in people’s lives, and studies have proven that music can raise someone’s mood, make them energized, and and facilitate calmness. I know that whenever I’m having a bad day, I just put my headphones in and listen to my music, and my worries often disappear. When I interviewed Shelby Johnson, I could see that music too plays a big role in her life.

Q: How long have you been doing band and when did you start?/ What made you want to join?

A: I have been doing band for five years; I started in 6th grade at ACP Oakland. I was always very interested in music, and I thought that the flute was a very beautiful instrument. I also had already been in band before playing the trumpet, but I did not enjoy it, so I wanted to try something new and I have loved playing the flute ever since.

Q: How does it feel making the All-State band? Did you ever think you would get this far with band? Did band start out as a hobby or something that you wanted to pursue into a career?

A: It feels really amazing because it is so competitive to get into and I wasn’t sure if I would get in because at first there are regionals, and all the people that are in regionals compete for a spot in the All-State band. I was very nervous about it, but I’m so glad that I got in because regionals were an amazing experience. It started out as something that I just wanted to try but then I actually started to really love it, and now I am considering pursuing a career in music. 

Q: What are some things you enjoy most about band and playing an instrument?

A: I really enjoy getting a new piece of music for the first time because it’s fun to be able to learn how to do more stuff with the flute. For example, if a piece is more complicated, I can learn more techniques with my instrument and I feel more challenged. 

Q: What are some of your other hobbies and things you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: I really love reading, I read every day. I also enjoy spending time with my family and my four cats. I like puzzles, watching movies, and I am involved with many clubs at school, like the Marvel club.

Q: Tell me a little about the instrument that you play and why you chose to play this particular instrument. What are your favorite things about playing it?

A: I play the flute and the piccolo. The piccolo is similar to a smaller flute, it is an octave higher and it’s way harder. I have been playing it for a year, and I have played the flute for five years. I got into the flute because I thought it was a beautiful instrument, and I wanted to try something new. I also got my inspiration to play the flute from seeing a girl at a concert play the flute and the piccolo, and I thought it was so amazing so I wanted to give it a try. 

Amazing Job! From what Shelby told me while I was interviewing her, getting into the All-State band is very hard and only a select few can make it in so Congrats! Keep persevering and doing what makes you happy no matter what. Shelby sets a great example to everyone that you can do anything you set your mind to. Go, Knights!