by Dana Branham, editor-in-chief
The Roar spoke to sophomore Simon Kapler, a trombonist who made second chair in the Texas Music Education Association All-State band this weekend. In February, Kapler will perform with the band, comprised of students who first earned a top chair at in their regional bands and went on to audition by area. In Kapler’s case, four regions competed in the area auditions, and the top two trombonists in the area were selected to the All-State band.
How long were you preparing before you made state?
I had been working on it since August, but over the Christmas break I kind of didn’t practice it a whole lot. I practiced it once or twice, because I honestly didn’t think I had a shot. I guess it was that kind of relaxed attitude that let me do so well. I’ve been performing in front of a lot of people this year, so I feel like that made it easier too.
Did your band directors help you?
Yeah, especially before region, which was in December, I did a lot of work with [the directors], by preparing and playing for them. Really, though, I think the instincts took over when I was there–it was a lot of the relaxation and not being so worried about what comes out of it as much as just playing my best and seeing what happens.
Was anyone else from our school trying out?
Yes, there were a couple people from each instrument trying out–two trombones, a couple trumpets and plenty of woodwind instruments as well. Honestly, I guess that’s why I was so surprised, because our area is known for being one of the most difficult ones in the state. It takes schools from North Houston–like the Woodlands, Klein Oak, College Park–and then schools from East Austin and Dallas. It’s really kind of tough–if you looked at it on a map, you’d think, ‘Wow, that’s really gerrymandered,’ if it were for a political election. If that wouldn’t fly under the Voting Rights Act, why would it fly for TMEA?
What did you feel like when you found out that you made it?
Honestly, I didn’t believe it, probably because that’s something we do a lot in band–we mess with each other when audition results come out. I didn’t want to stay and wait for the results to come out, so I got a text from someone that said ‘You made state; you got second chair’ and I said ‘Pics or it didn’t happen,’ and so I got pics and it did happen. Sure enough, it was not a typo.
So are you excited to go?
Oh, I’m super excited. At first, I really did feel like I didn’t deserve it, just because there’s so many talented people not just in the room I was trying out with, but people who play other instruments too. I’m really excited to perform with such a great group of people. There’s two bands, so when I get to the actual clinic, there are some really, really good conductors. My goal is to get in the top band. I have no idea if that’s gonna happen, but I’m hoping for the best.
So you’re the first person who’s made state from our band in how long?
Since Brennan Lamont, for state classical in 2009. He made state jazz in 2010. That’s why I didn’t believe it–he was so cool. I didn’t believe it.
Do you think there’s going to be pressure on you next year and the year after to make it again?
Yeah, and I’ve already got a lot of pressure on me for auditioning for state–I don’t want to get last overall. Of course, I’m hoping that’s not going to happen. I’m going to practice so that I get in the upper half. Even if I did, though, it’s still such an honor. It’s a really big deal, and I know some smaller colleges will give scholarships for that. I’m really, really excited.
Do you have any advice for other students who want this same recognition?
Don’t sweat the small stuff as much. I’ve always been really hard on myself–that’s why I’m sort of glad I don’t play sports anymore. I played tennis last year, and whenever I’d lose a match or miss a serve, I’d get really upset with myself. Even with band and music, that happens. Every little mistake–for me, it’s about not playing something as well as I could play it, as opposed to messing up. Every little thing kinds of builds on me, and it screws up my psyche when I’m performing. Really, you just can’t sweat the small stuff and be relaxed when you’re performing. You don’t want something as dumb as stress to mess you up after you put all this work into it.
