ADDISON, Ala. – Rising Sophomore Addison Raymond will be going into her fourth year in Cold Springs’ band and has had an amazing experience during that time. She has learned so much from some great band members.
“I’ve had an overall great experience. It’s a very welcoming place to be. There hasn’t been a day where I’m not excited about the program, especially during the marching season. That season, everyone is working together, having fun, and working hard for the show. I have learned how to work better in a group and how perfection comes with imperfections,” Raymond said. “It’s been very inspirational. I remember when I was a rookie, looking up to my senior section leader and my section leader, and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. Great band members come in all forms, and you can really learn a lot from the way they present themselves.”
She added,
“What I’ve learned from them is it’s a good thing to make mistakes, because it shows that you try; don’t frustrate yourself on anything. Be competitive, not mean. Always go through things with a good or funny attitude. Lastly, make sure you treat everyone with respect.”
Addison soaked up as much as she can from her band director, Mr. Johnson, before he retired. She has played different instruments during her time in the band so far and this year, she will be playing the mellophone. Playing a lot of different instruments has helped her become the person that she is today.
“Mr. Johnson was like family to me. He was understanding, funny, and was passionate with the band program. He never turned down an idea I had or made me feel ashamed if I messed something up. He helped me continue with my passion with music and helped teach me to understand the point of music and the meanings behind it. He had also preached the practice of reading the room and knowing when it was time to joke around and when we needed to really work hard. Because of him, I have learned multiple instruments and the picture of a passionate band member.”
She added,
“You really start to understand the struggles of other members in the band. For example, when trombones drop their horns, trumpets get dead chops, or when woodwinds bite through their lips. Not only do you understand the struggles, you learn how every instrument is connected in a way, which makes everyone similar.”
Addison talked a little bit about the new band director, Mr. O’Bryant, and what he will bring to the program. She learned some things from last year’s seniors and has learned some things from this year’s seniors as well.
“He seems like a great guy and considering his past time with being in the United States Marine Drum and Bugles Corps and in the Curry high school marching band, I am very excited to see what he’ll bring to our program. Hopefully, he will bring more influence on the band program for more members and good halftime shows,” she said. “Last year’s seniors were a really great group. They displayed a good work-together attitude and all of them were easy to talk to. They treated everyone with kindness, especially the rookies, which I look up to and respect. They really taught me how to lead a section and to have fun with what I’m doing.”
She added,
“This year’s seniors have been really great and friendly. They are a very upbeat group and I’m very glad to have them as our seniors this year. One of the seniors was my section leader when I was a rookie, so I have displayed a lot of my leadership abilities off of her. They have taught me the competitive spirit of band and friendship in the band.”
Addison has seen a drastic improvement in her performance during her time in the band so far, but still sees room for improvement.
“I have seen myself improve a bunch since I first started in 7th grade. I went from pretending I knew the halftime show and barely practicing, to knowing the show front and back and practicing every day. I found myself earning solos much more easily throughout the years as well,” she said. “I will work on trying to constantly improve my image as a role model and increasing my playing ability by practicing harder stuff.”
Addison talked about the goals for this upcoming season and thinks this year’s band will be one to watch.
“My individual goals are to make friends with the new rookies and to increase my leadership skills. The band goals are to make sure we pay attention to the director and that we hit our spots correctly most of the time,” she said. “I think, for this year, witnessing the band under a new director will be pretty special to watch, but also taking the time to respect all the leadership this year and all of the work they did to help the band to transition to a new teacher is also pretty special, as well as the hard work each student has put in.”
Addison talked about her role models growing up and the best advice that she was ever given.
“I’d say Kaylee Windsor and Mr. Johnson. Kaylee’s just a very good overall musician and band kid. She is kind to everyone, even if they give her a hard time. She’s patient, passionate, skilled at her craft, and holds no harsh judgment in the band,” she said. “You can’t let other people affect you.”
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