Sophomore Rachel Owen, Math and Science Academy student, leads by example through her outlet in music: concert band, marching band, musicals, and indoor percussion. All allot for showmanship and character while most require judges’ critique. 

“Concert music tells a story through music alone while competitive music tells a story through the whole show, with music just being part of it,” said Rachel.

Throughout the school year, she focuses on clarinet for concert band in Wind Symphony. She practices “a few times a week” and pushes herself to do more with her clarinet teacher’s guidance.

I’m glad, [because from sitting] next to her, I learn,” said junior Will Harrison who also plays clarinet. 

After a tedious audition process, she achieved a chair in the top band in this music district. With her high scoring, it enabled her to audition for All-State Band in February in which she attained a chair.

In the summer, she again plays clarinet for marching band and plays bass guitar in the winter for indoor percussion.

“When I first met her, she was very shy, but over the past year, she has opened up to people; you can see it in her performances,” said Victoria Bauman, synth player.

By participating in the school’s competitive music groups, it allowed her opportunities to travel across the state of Virginia to different venues such as high schools and colleges to challenge like-minded students. It enables her to emote in varying outlets because, for her, “music speaks when words fail.”

“Band truly is a second family to me. Without it, I don’t know what I’d look like today,” said Rachel.