2023 Senior Spotlight

Aditi Kakulavaram

Marching Instrument: Clarinet

Concert Instrument: Clarinet

Adrian started her band career first in 7th grade at Robinson Middle School Plano, Texas. She moved to Frisco when she was in 8th grade and attended Reynolds Middle School. She has been pursuing band for 6 years.

Adrian is proud of being a part of the Rock Hill Marching Band.

Adrian is planning to attend UNT to major in Supply Chain Management.

Adrian’s hobbies are reading, books and oil painting.

Being in band has helped Adrian learn about responsibility and teamwork.

Dylan White

Marching Instrument: Trombone

Concert Instrument: Trombone

Dylan began his band career in 7th grade at Ramsey Jr High in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Dylan is proud of serving as Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council member Freshman and Sophomore years, Fort Smith Public School District, Outstanding Sophomore Musician Northside High School Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Dylan will be attending UNT and he’ll be pursuing a degree in the medical field.

Rock Hill Band has been very rewarding and challenging since Dylan moved here in August 2021. He has developed his skills as a trombonist while under the direction of the band directors and his private lessons with Jonathan Tang.

Outside of band Dylan enjoys weight-lifting and running track for Rock Hill.

Kira Watson

Color Guard

Kira became interested in Color Guard in 8th grade when Mr. Ferman talked about what the color guard did.

Kira is proud of winning and performing with her teammates at NTCA Grand Champions and earning her CNA certification.

After graduation, Kira plans to work as a PCT and attend UNT.

Color Guard has taught Kira about team-building and how to be a better leader.

In her free time, Kira enjoys spending time with friends and family and painting.

Andy Warren

Marching Instrument: Drum Major

Concert Instrument: French Horn

Andy first started playing french horn with Mr. Aune at Rogers Middle School.

Andy made the all-region band and orchestra his junior year. In 2022, he received the AP Scholar with Distinction award, and he is a National Merit Semifinalist.

After high school, Andy plans to continue his education at the University of Alabama or the University of North Texas.

From his years in band, Andy has gained a deep interest in all types of music, especially classical music, and he enjoys attending performances at the Dallas Opera.

Outside of band, Andy is an officer in the environmental club and Tri-M Honor Society. He is also a member of Spanish Honor Society and loves learning languages.

Ashleigh Wagnon

Marching Instrument: Saxophone

Concert Instrument: Bassoon

Ashleigh started her band career in double reed class at Rogers MS with Mr. Ferman.

Ashleigh has played 7 different instruments during her band career! She has also not marched with the same instrument twice. She has marched with the bass clarinet, clarinet, alto saxophone and bari saxophone. This year she played the contra bassoon on the sidelines during the marching show!

After graduation, although she is still undecided, she is considering continuing her love of band.

Being in band has strengthened her confidence and perserverence. Band is hard. She has learned that pushing through the hard times will prove to be worth it in the end. She enjoys being a positive role-model for her peers and encouraging new band students.

Ashleigh loves to read, draw, hang out with friends and watch movies.

Valentina Vera-Gonzalez

Marching Instrument: Saxophone

Concert Instrument: Bassoon

Val started her band career in bassoon class at Roger MS.

She has held a spot in the Varsity Marching Band since freshman year at Prosper High School.

Val is thinking of pursuing a Law degree at Texas State University.

Band has helped her to maintain a disciplined routine and her role as SLT taught her to be a mentor for the incoming band members.

She loves to read and watch Grey’s Anatomy when band schedule allows.

Megan Phillips

Marching Instrument: Flute

Concert Instrument: Flute

Megan started her band career in beginner flute class with Mr. Katz at Clark MS in Frisco.

She made UIL State Solo and Ensemble qualifier her freshman year, freshmen all region band, received all 1s all of high school for solo contest.

Megan plans to attend OSU to major in Elementary Education and play in the marching band.

Band has allowed Megan to form friendships and influenced her to pursue music in college.

She enjoys hanging out with friends and spending too much money on Dutch Bros.

Charlotte Overby

Marching Instrument: Clarinet

Concert Instrument: Clarinet

Charlotte started her band career at Reynolds MS with Mrs. Bell.

She’s proud of her participation in the VASE art competition in 2021.

Charlotte plans to attend UNT or enlist in the Military.

Band has inspired her by helping her be more social.

Ouside of band, Charlotte is interested in Art.

Diego Montemayor

Marching Instrument: Baritone

Concert Instrument: Euphonium

Diego started his band career at Vandeventer MS in Frisco with Mr. Guzman.

He’s proud of making good grades consistently for many years.

Diego plans to pursue a Music Education degree at UNT.

Band has inspired him to continue to be involved in the program.

When not practicing or performing, he enjoys working at Chick-fil-a.

Shayla McCain

Color Guard

Shayla started Guard as a Sophomore with Mr. Arvin at Rock Hill.

She’s most proud of winning winter guard championships, being outstanding member for the winter season, and becoming guard captain.

Shayla is still undecided, but plans to major in a natural science.

Guard has allowed Shayla to meet the most supportive and genuine people.

Shayla enjoys watching bad reality tv, playing over the door basketball, and playing puzzle games.

Natasha Manoj

Marching Instrument: Flute

Concert Instrument: Flute

Natasha’s band career began at Reynolds MS in 6th grade with Mrs. Parr.

She is a 4-year member of All Region Band and has made State for her solo and ensemble in her freshman year. Natasha was recognized by Collin College for her academic excellence (top 5% of class) in the Health Science Program for CNA’s.

Natasha plans to pursue a biology major and pre- medicine track in college.

The marching band has helped Natasha learn and excel to be a leader, a team player and importance of preparation/hard work to succeed in any task undertaken. Music has inspired Natasha to be a learner for life.

Natasha is involved in various clubs in school. She is the president of Red Cross Club and member of NHS as well as HOSA. She enjoys spending time with her friends.

Joseph Kelly

Marching Instrument: Trumpet

Concert Instrument: Trumpet

Joseph started trumpet in the 5th grade with Mr. Anderson in Glendale, Arizona and in 6th grade with Mr. Aune at Rogers MS.

Joseph is proud of making State for Solo and Ensemble while supporting the band as an officer and section leader. Joseph is also proud of doing well in his numerous AP classes.

He plans to pursue an engineering degree. He plans on contributing to making the world a better place to live.

Band has helped Joseph develop a detailed mindset, improve his work ethic and teamwork, while exercising patience, and responsibility.

Joseph enjoys ultimate frisbee, gaming with his family and travel.

Preston Jones

Marching Instrument: Baritone

Concert Instrument: Euphonium

Preston’s band career started in euphonium class at Rogers MS with Mr. Aune.

Preston is proud of taking primarily AP and Dual Credit Classes his Jr. and Senior Year to get a jump on college credits.

Preston is interested in learning a trade and earning a business degree with the goal of being his own boss by 25 years of age.

Band has taught Preston that through hard work and dedication difficult goals can be achieved.

Running track and working as a Club Level Soccer Referee keeps Preston busy outside of band.

Ezra Jackson

Marching Instrument: Clarinet

Concert Instrument: Clarinet

Ezra’s band career started at Rogers MS with Mr. Holt.

Ezra participated in the Entrepreneurship course here at Rock Hill. His group made it to the final night of presentations, and took runner-up after a grueling night of stating their business case.

Ezra plans to major in Accounting and attend Prairie View A&M.

Band has offered Ezra an emotional outlet.

Outside of band, Ezra enjoys 3D printing and videogames

Michael Hirsch

Marching Instrument: Saxophone

Concert Instrument: Bassoon

Michael’s band career started with Double Reed class at Reynolds MS with Mrs. Bell.

He is most proud of making the All-Region Band and Areas in 10th and 11th grade. He also made the All-Region Orchestra in 11th grade. Auditioned for and accepted into the Advanced Double Reed Institute of Texas camp in 10th and 11th grade.

Michael plans to attend a 4-year university and major in finance as well as minor in music.

He has enjoyed the competition and performance opportunities. He has developed leadership skills by serving as a section leader and an officer.

Michael enjoys fishing, travel, watching Seahawks football, and hanging out with friends.

Ren Freudenberg

Color Guard

Ren started her Color Guard journey as an eighth grader. She went to a camp sponsored by Prosper High and she was immediately hooked.

Ren has maintained a 3.9 GPA and a 4.8 weighted GPA.

Ren plans to attend Texas A&M where she will study Biomedical Sciences for her undergraduate degree. She intends to further her studies in Medical School to become a Pediatric Anesthesiologist.

Color Guard has changed the way Ren sees and interacts with the world. Her respect for others, drive, mindset, and leadership have increased immensely. She has developed many new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Ren loves her quiet time for reading or just watching her favorite TV shows.

Tristyn Dolan

Marching Instrument: Sousaphone

Concert Instrument: Tuba

Tristyn’s band career started with Mr. Aune’s Tuba/Euphonium Class at Rogers Middle School.

He is proud of making Freshman All-Region and advancing to Area his junior year.

He plans on pursuing a degree in Music Education.

Band has given him the opportunity to take on a role bigger than just himself and help others that are also passionate about music. It’s also given him the chance to meet people that he never would’ve had he not joined band.

Tristyn loves to workout, play basketball, and hangout with friends in his free time.

Ella Bermudez

Marching Instrument: Clarinet

Concert Instrument: Clarinet

Ella began playing clarinet in Mr. Holt’s 6th grade class at Rogers MS.

Ella participated in Winter Guard during her junior year and made the NTCA Grand Champions. She also made All- Region last year. Academically, she received the AP Scholar award in 2021 and AP Scholar with Distinction in 2022.

She plans to major in clinical psychology at UT Austin or UC Boulder with a minor in music. She also wants to join a drum corps in the future.

Music and band have inspired and influenced Ella to become a dependable and dedicated student. During her free time she enjoys listening to public radio, music and hanging out with friends.

Danielle Bingham

Marching Instrument: Saxophone

Concert Instrument: Bass Clarinet

Danielle’s band career started with playing the clarinet in 5th grade in California.

She is proud of starting with clarinet but changed to bass clarinet and tenor sax in marching band.

She hopes to go into Music Education and has not determined which school yet. Music has become a true love that she hopes to incorporate into her future goals.

In her free time, Danielle has participated in Lacrosse and she enjoys writing.

Caiden Brackens

Marching Instrument: Trumpet

Concert Instrument: Trumpet

Caiden’s band career started in the 6th grade at Maus MS with Mrs. Tennerelli and continued at Rogers MS with Mr. Ferman, Mr. Holt and Ms. Reeves.

Caiden is very proud of his production company Didymus Rythmo that he started with his brother Aiden.

Caiden will attend Prairie View A&M University and become a member of the famed Marching Storm. He will pursue a degree in Communications and Electrical Engineering to further advance his passion in Audio Engineering.

Band has inspired Caiden to be a leader and use his voice in helping others. It has also taught him to never give up, and stay the course and keep trying.

His hobbies include creating beats and LoFi. Caiden also loves video games and reading.

Eva Colaruotolo

Marching Instrument: Drumline

Concert Instrument: Percussion

Percussion with Mr. Snyder in the 6th grade at Rogers Middle School.

Their indoor drumline won 3rd place overall at finals, and the whole process was super fun.

She plans to attend either OU or University of Arkansas to pursue nursing.

Band has inspired her to push through hard times and to be proud of all the hard work the group has put in.

She loves going to the gym with her friends.

Jade Cummings

Marching Instrument: Drumline

Concert Instrument: Percussion

Jade began drumming in Top Dogs Drum Club in 4th and 5th grade with Ms. Barnett at Hebron Valley Elementary before joining Percussion in middle school with Tanner Trigg at Creek Valley Middle School.

When Jade was a Freshman at Cy-Fair High School, their indoor percussion beat Clearbrook for the first time in 10 years! As a senior, Jade is now drum captain and section leader.

Jade plans to attend the University of Houston to study Kinesiology.

Jade’s drumming education has inspired her to compete with Monarch, a WGI indoor percussion ensemble.

Jade loves soccer and used to play before she decided to take on drumming full time.

Cameron Dawes

Marching Instrument: Clarinet

Concert Instrument: Clarinet

Cameron started playing clarinet at Rogers Middle with Mr. Holt (since 6th grade).

He has obtained leadership positions such as Section Leader and Band Officer, made it to All Regionals during juinor year, tried out for GDYO during junior year.

Cameron plans to attend college, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Music Performance. Band has helped Cameron discover a passion in something he’s never done before; it has helped him step out of his comfort zone. He has exhibited discipline and responsibility when it comes to balancing academics and extra curricular activities.

He enjoys sports and hanging out with friends and family

Xen De Guzman

Marching Instrument: Flute

Concert Instrument: Flute

Xen started playing flute at Wester Middle School with Mrs. Black and Mr. Smith.

She recently got her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification in her junior year and received a Clinical Skills Excellence Award from Collin College. The Chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars also nominated Xen for membership in recognition of her commitment to the ideals of
scholarship, leadership, and service.

This is her second year on the Rock Hill Band Leadership Team. She served as a Squad Leader in her junior year and is now a Flute Section Leader. Band enabled her to connect with a group of people with the same passion while growing into a better player, leader, and person.

She likes playing guitar, listening to music, and playing basketball with her brother.

Natalie Dechaine

Marching Instrument: Clarinet

Concert Instrument: Bass Clarinet

Natalie started playing clarinet in Mrs. Bell’s at Reynolds MS. Making third chair in the All Region process this past year.

Natalie plans to attend a four year college and hopefully pursue something in music. Band has inspired Natalie to want to build a career in music in the future.

Natalie likes to draw and paint, read, and play video games like Stardew Valley.

Alyssa Dickens

Drum Major

Concert Instrument: Clarinet

Alyssa began playing in clarinet class at Rogers MS with Mr. Holt.

Alyssa has been in the top band all four years of her high school career. During her junior year, Alyssa advanced to Area during the All-State process and received an Outstanding Soloist award.

Alyssa has been a drum major for her junior and senior year. Alyssa plans to pursue a degree in music education.

Alyssa has found a passion in music. Band has inspired her to continue on with a career in music. She has been able to develop leadership skills as well as time management, perseverance, and dedication.

Alyssa loves to read in her free time when she is not practicing.