SLATER SPOTLIGHT: STEFFANI SMITH

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Aubrey Tarr, Editor

Steffani Smith, a student of many talents, has participated in a plethora of musical activities. She has been a member of every instrumental ensemble in the high school, and been dancing for thirteen years. Smith will attend Moravian College with the intention of pursuing a career as a professional musician.

What three adjectives would your friends use to describe you?

Three adjectives my friends use to describe me is outgoing, fun, and hardworking.

What sports, clubs, organizations, jobs do you have and what are your positions in each of these activities?

I am involved with the Marching Band as well as concert band, symphonic band, Pep band, Pit Orchestra, and Jazz band. I hold the officer position of Senior Class Representative of the band, and I serve as a student leader/mentor for the younger concert band. I am also involved with dance classes outside of school, and this year is my 13th year of dance. I also have been working as a waitress at Teresa’s Pizzeria for the past 10 months.

What’s next for you? 

This fall I will be attending Moravian College to study Music Education and Music Performance. I hope to become a professional musician and someday teach music.

Which friend or friends will you miss most from Bangor and why?

The friends that I will most miss are definitely my band and choir friends. I will miss everybody, but if I were to name a few I would say Brooke Baker, Cayla Stiles, Katelynn Roscioli, Evan Gordon, Jacob Deeny, Sam Talero, Jon Marchand, Kendall Hill, and my entire trumpet section.

Which teacher influenced you most or who will you remember most from Bangor and why?

The teacher that influenced me most was definitely Mr. Hahn for sure. He taught me so much about being a musician and has inspired me to pursue music beyond high school. He taught me the importance of being a leader, and that with hard work you can achieve any goal you set your mind to. Without him, I doubt I could have qualified for District Band, Region Band, All State Band, and District Jazz. He has encouraged my love of music and always helped me get back up when I ever felt discouraged. In all honesty, he is the best teacher I’ve ever had and I’m glad I was able to learn from him these past 4 years. Also, honorary mention to Mrs. Laurito for always dealing with my craziness!

What is your best high school memory and why?

My best memory of high school is performing in the pit orchestra for Mamma Mia. It was such an amazing experience to be able to play the keyboard for such talented singers and actors, and it was an otherworldly experience to have our hard work recognized when we dominated the floor at the Freddie Awards. I also will always remember the time when I won “Best Trumpet Soloist” at the Easton Jazz festival my sophomore year. It was truly one of my proudest moments and I am so thankful to the jazz band for allowing me that moment and opportunity.

What is your worst high school memory and why?

My worst high school memory is not qualifying for All State band my junior year. I had worked so incredibly hard every single day to make that ensemble but I just came short of making it. However, that disappointment only pushed me to work harder and I ended up qualifying for All State this year.

Which band could play the soundtrack to your high school career and why?

If a band were to play the soundtrack to my high school career, I think I would go with ‘Nothing But Thieves’. I really enjoy this band, and I relate to a lot of their songs. Through difficult times and happy times, there was always a song from them that I could listen to and relate to.

When you arrive at school in the morning, where is the first place you want to go and why?

First thing in the morning when I arrive at school, I immediately go down to the band room. Not only do I need to put my instruments away, but I also enjoy talking to my friends before class.

Where do you predict you’ll end up ten years from now and why?

10 years from now, I hope that I will have become (or have started to become) a well known musician. Or, I will be teaching music classes either in a private studio or at a school.

Which event, events will you miss the most and why?

I will miss the music events most. From football games, marching band comps, jazz festivals, our annual band trip, our seasonal concerts and the musical (theatre) performance,s there are so many memories that I will miss and always look back on.

What is a quote you like to live by?

A quote that I live by is “the master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried” I know that with being a musician, I will experience many failures. But I know that these failures will only lead the path for my success in the future.

What inspires you to create?

I am inspired to create art when I am in a peaceful surrounding. I have found that I am most creative when I am outside, listening to the sound of chimes in the wind and birds singing. Sometimes, I can hear the sound of a piano playing from inside my house, or the sound of a guitar playing. The calmness and beauty of the world helps me concentrate and use my creativity to make art.

Are you good with technology? What do you like about it?

In all honesty, I am not so good with technology. I do enjoy watching Netflix and Amazon Prime shows though, and I also like to create music scores through garage band and Score Create.

What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is to play music. It is the only thing in my life that has consistently kept me happy, and I know and have seen my potential to grow. I enjoy working hard to reach my goals, and meeting

other musicians and making friends. Being a part of an ensemble is a magical feeling, knowing that you were a contributor to the final product.

If you could go anywhere, where would it be?

If I were to travel to another country, I would like to explore Egypt. I have always been fascinated by the history, and I am eager to learn more about it. I’ve always wanted to see the pyramids in person, I feel like it would be a very humbling experience.