Making music at the Nest

Plato said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” -Plato. At the Hawks Nest, there are many students who are pursuing their musical passion.

Brittany Hadaway, Junior, singer/musician
Aspirations: “I want to be a performer and write my own music. Professionally recording and being on a stage is something I’ve always loved.”
Inspirations: Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Frank Sinatra, and Tori Amos.
What lead you to music? “I was born loving music. I think it comes naturally. It’s always been a part of me, but curiosity has helped me grow.”
Style/Genre: Pop or R&B
If you could revolutionize music as we know it, how would you do it? “I’d give people a new sound, something unique, and I’d definitely put meanings into songs. A lot of music now just seems lifeless to me-like someone threw a bunch of words into a backbeat. That’s not how it’s supposed to be.”
What have you been doing to get your name out there? “I’ve been making YouTube videos since I was 12. They’ve gotten passed around a lot. One of my videos has 22,000 views I think. I’ve also performed at my family’s old restaurant and Broom’s Bloom. I’ve done some research and have emailed a few radio stations too.”
Why is music so special to you? “It’s what keeps me going everyday. I’ve had days where I’ve felt terrible and I can just sit at the piano or with my guitar and play. It’s what has gotten me through a lot of my rough days. It is all something that has helped mold me to who I am, and it’s a dream that I’ll never give up on. You just have to have faith and keep believing.”

Greg Daffron, Senior
Aspirations: start record label and perform/record with a post core/metal core band.
Inspirations: Tyler Carter, Shawn Spann, Luke Holland, Spencer Sotelo, Slipknot, Sleeping With Sirens, Oli Sykes, Misha Mansoor, Freddy Mercury, and Matt Halpern.
What lead you to music?: “Mainly curiosity. Music has always interested me with the blending of different instruments to make something so amazing.”
What have you been doing to get your name on the map?: Pop Punk, Ska, and Postcore.
If you could revolutionize music as we know it, how?: “I would take my music to the next level, try to do things that have yet to be done and maybe create a new style.”
Why is music so special to you?: “It’s my only release. It sets me free and takes me to a place I love to be. It allows me to express myself the only way I know how to and it allows me to be me!”

Jeremy Crull, Senior
Aspirations:
Inspirations: Itzhak Perlman, Maxim Vengerov, along with teachers, friends, and family.
What lead you to music?: “Music has always interested me, especially the violin. I started playing in the fourth grade, out of curiosity, and realized that playing the violin is very enjoyable.”
If you could revolutionize music as we know it, how would you do it? “It is very hard to choose a favorite genre of music. I mostly listen to classical music, but I also enjoy rock, and a lot of other styles. I guess if I had to choose a favorite, it would be classical. Something about listening to classical music gives me a feeling that most other genres wont.”
What have you been doing to get your name on the map? “I have been taking all the performing opportunities I can get. I am in the Harford Youth Orchestra, five performing ensembles in school, All-County, and a quartet. I also participate in the Solo and Ensemble festivals. This year I was asked to be the Fiddler for Fiddler on the Roof, which is really cool.”
Why is music so special to you? “Music is very special to me. No matter how your day is going, playing music always creates a worry free environment. It’s the one thing I do to relax and not worry about anything. If you are sad, it can cheer you up. You are always challenged too. If you practice all day, there is always something to accomplish the next day. Music has and will create friendships too. I have met my best friends through music. I heard a quote once that said, “Life is music.” It is definitely true. Playing music is by far my favorite thing to do. It just makes me happy.”

Nichole Livingston, Senior?
Aspirations: “I am still indecisive as to what a I want to do with music after high school. I definitely wish to continue on with a college/university marching band and any other concert bands or symphony orchestras available. After college, I’d still like to participate in any community bands or orchestras. I am also still contemplating minoring in music.”
Inspirations: “My inspirations are without a doubt my private lessons teacher of almost 4 years, Mrs. Twentey and my good friend Ariel Breidenbaugh, who graduated from NHHS last year. These people have helped me in so many ways and have helped me strive to achieve my musical goals. Both of them are clarinet players like I am and are the best people I could ever ask to have around.”
What lead you to music? “To be honest, I’m not really sure why! My mom and grandmother both played clarinet so that helped me pick out the instrument I wanted to play, but I actually don’t have a reason as to why I started. However, I’m so glad I did.”
Style/Genre: “Many people are surprised when they hear I listen to hard rock and heavy metal yet play classical music. I actually love listening to classical as well.”
If you could revolutionize music as we know it, how? “I would like to show people that just because you play an instrument, doesn’t make you a “band geek” and you shouldn’t be embarrassed to be involved in music. It just irritates me when people quit for those reasons. You really do feel a sense of accomplishment when you play. It’s fun. I just want to tell people never to quit music, you should always stick with it. It does so much for you.”
What have you been doing to get your name on the map? “Music isn’t just an inside of school part in my life. I participate in Solo & Ensemble Festival every year to play a solo for a judge and occasionally I will be a part of an ensemble. Last year, I was a member of the All County High School Band and am auditioning once again this year. Also, as of this past summer, I am a member of the Harford Youth Orchestra and plan to continue on with that. I take advantage of as many opportunities I can because it’s just so much fun and so rewarding to say you were a part of something musical like that.”
Why is music special to you? “Playing the clarinet is something that in all I honestly haven’t always enjoyed. But once I started doing more with it, I realized just how rewarding and fun it is. All of my experiences are precious to me and I will never forget them. Music really has left an impact on me and I’m glad I started it back in fourth grade. Playing music was probably the best decision of my life.”