A trumpet-playing football player, or a football-playing trumpet player? Kingston High School senior Carter Draper’s days are packed.
So how does it work to be lead trumpet player in the marching band and varsity football lineman?
FAB’s (Fine Arts Boosters) featured artist of the month says, “Mr. Haag puts up with me playing the National Anthem, playing the first half, playing the halftime entertainment, then playing the last half of the game, all in my football uniform.”
Carter is at school at 7 a.m. playing Jazz Ensemble. Wind Symphony is during class time, Marching Band is after school and, depending on the season, football or baseball practice are in the evening. Of course, there are his classes and he works at a local farm. He heads home at about 8:30 p.m.
Self-taught and never having taken private lessons, Carter says, “Last year I learned more about playing trumpet from Mr. Whitson than ever before. I have learned how to play trumpet just by being in bands. I enjoy creating music — putting together a song. I like all types of music.”
He added, “My folks are supportive of whatever I have to do but I make my own decisions. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without their help.”
For much-needed breaks, Carter heads to the family cabin in Leavenworth to ski and river raft.
“I’m a social person and try to find time to hang out with friends,” he says.
Carter plans to go to a college in the west where he will major in physical therapy and where, he says, “I will be in a spot to help people.”
Carter was stunned that FAB will not be awarding scholarships this year because FAB is lacking leaders stepping up. He was depending on applying to help him go to a western college with a band.
The writer of this column and our featured artist feel it is a crime our school musicians are not fully supported. Carter says, “It is not fair to Mr. Haag who is our part-time music teacher. It’s impossible to do concerts, competitions, teach, and inspire part-time. Our annual band trip might be cancelled. We need opportunities to create art.”
Our community and school board must take a hard look at what is happening in arts education. At the Kingston Country Christmas, we got to see and hear how important student musicians are to North Kitsap.
Carter says, “There is lots to do in our sheltered, safe community. You just have to open your eyes. Everyone wants a place to fit in.”
In his AP Government class, he finds there is too much focus on highly marketable bad news.
“We are missing out by not knowing about all that is good,” he says.
Summing up, this warmhearted, open, confident, hardworking musician quoted a coach: “Nothing worthwhile is easy.”
So true for our commitment to our youth and to our schools.
— Contact Marilyn Bode at Lidenbode@aol.com
