HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Hanceville High’s Jonathan Rodriguez collected his diploma in May, and in this interview, he talked about some of his favorite memories he made alongside his friends during his time in the band.
“My favorite ones were probably going to All-State in Mobile, and just the competitions every weekend that the band went to. My senior year was definitely my favorite year by far. The whole year was just full of success within the whole entire band,” Rodriguez said. “It was great. Everyone was always so enthusiastic about helping one another. It was like one big family. I learned proper ways of how to work with people within the program, and as those leaders started graduating, and I started becoming what they were, I was able to pass on what I learned from them and what I got to experience throughout the years.”
Jonathan worked with an amazing band director during his seven years in the band, and he soaked up as much as he could from him.
“He was amazing. He’s like a father figure to me and probably to a lot of kids in the program. He’s so helpful with everyone and is very passionate about the program. His drive for success and determination is what really made me a really good drum major. He took me under his wing and taught me a lot of stuff about music, how to work with a band on how to properly play, and how to properly teach marching,” Rodriguez said. “My favorite band competitions were the Northwest Alabama Marching Classic in Russellville, the Horse Creek Festival in Dora, and Hanceville’s own Mud Creek Marching Festival. I’ll primarily remember all my hard work that was put into the band to help everyone within succeed. I’ll miss being able to help everyone improve every day and just being a part of such a wonderful program.”
Jonathan was chosen to be the drum major his senior year, and he grew so much during that time. He helped out everyone he could in the band program and had his fair share of role models that he looked up to.
“It was amazing. It was a little nerve-racking at first, but overall, it was an amazing experience. I learned so much from being a drum major. I not only grew as a person, but I grew as a leader. I’ve always been a natural leader, but this position just made me mature and take more initiative within the band. I gave it my all with everyone in the program. I’m excited to see how those kids I was able to help do this upcoming season,” he said. “My role models were some of the leaders that were part of the leadership team my rookie year. My main role model was the band director. He would always seem like a kid in band as well due to how much he included himself with everyone.”
He loved every single one of the halftime shows that he was involved in, but there was one in particular that stood out to him. He shared a few of his favorite high school memories, and being a part of the Hanceville family meant the world to him.
“I loved them all due to the memories that I made with each of them, but my favorite one would have to be this previous season. It was so bittersweet at the end of last season, because the show was just so good, and it caught the whole audience’s attention, but it was the last time I would get to experience that on the field with my colleagues,” he said. “Some of my favorite high school memories were probably with my friends, football games, and getting to perform on the field with my girlfriend. What made Hanceville a special place to go to was just how everyone in the community is so supportive of everyone and every program within the school. The teachers were excellent as well.”
Jonathan will deeply miss being a Bulldog this fall, and he gave some advice to those students that want to do fast-track or who are starting high school in August.
“I’ll remember the opportunity that the school gave me to do fast-track and start early with my welding career at Wallace State. I’ll miss my friends the most and the memories I made while going to Hanceville,” he said. “With fast-track, if you want to get an early head start with college, I would say go right ahead. Everyone within the fast-track program is very helpful and supportive. You will be offered help from the teachers there. For the people going into high school, don’t take your time there for granted. Cherish all the memories with your friends and just make the best of it. The four years will go by in the blink of an eye. Do your work on time as well.”
Getting the chance to perform with his girlfriend on the field was an amazing experience for Jonathan. He earned a few scholarships and was also a part of the Yearbook staff his 10th grade year.
“It was really amazing to see the least. I got to see her grow as the years went by. Seeing her twirl is breathtaking. She’s grown quite a bit. She was really good in her first year, but she’s just matured and improved every year. Seeing her be a leader is great. She’s so helpful with her majorettes, and there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them to help them improve,” he said. “I received the Fellowship of the Trade Federation Scholarship, a UNA Marching Band Scholarship, and a NC3 Scholarship. It felt great. I’m glad I was able to receive some help from those scholarships. I loved being a part of the Yearbook staff. I’m glad I was able to help build that year’s yearbook. I truly appreciated what I learned from being a part of the staff. I learned how to properly edit and make notes on topics related to making a yearbook.”
God has played a huge role in Jonathan’s life in and outside of band. He shared his favorite Bible verse and has learned a lot during his journey so far.
“God has truly played a huge role in my life. He’s given me blessing after blessing, and I can’t be more grateful and thankful for Him. In band, God played a big role. The band would always pray the Our Father prayer right before we went onto the field,” he said. “A Bible verse that I really love is Philippians 4:13. It means a lot, because without Christ’s strength, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish some of the things I’ve been able to achieve in my lifetime. The main thing I’ve learned from my journey so far is don’t take anything for granted. Cherish every moment in life and be grateful for all that you have.”
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