This week’s Farmer Focus is on senior Ethan Wann, a clarinet player who has been recognized as 25th out of all clarinet players in the DFW area. 

SNAPSHOTS

Favorite music genre: Jazz

Comfort meal: Lasagna

Favorite superhero: The Flash

Dream vacation spot: Japan

Go-to movie: “Interstellar”

ZOOMING IN

Q: How long have you been in band, and did you see yourself being in it for as long as you have?

A: “Since sixth grade, initially I didn’t. I didn’t know I was going to [be in band] for this long until I got into high school. I guess that’s how things go.”

Q: What initially interested you or got you to join band?

A: “I’ve been surrounded by music my entire life. My great grandma is a piano and violin player and my mom played the clarinet as well; so I grew up listening to classical music.”

Q: Do you plan on being a part of band or a band after you graduate?

A: “I want to pursue further education, and I’d love to teach at some college. I’d like to teach jazz; I really love jazz. That’s what I would probably want to do in college.”

Q: What are the hardest parts of being a member of band?

A: “I’d say the hours. It takes a lot of time in my schedule. Right now, I get to school at 7:30, sometimes even earlier. Every single day I practice, and I’m playing my instrument until 10. I go to my other two classes, come back, practice for another two hours and then I go home.”

Q: How did it feel to be recognized as a top 25 clarinet player in the DFW area?

A: “I was a little sad because [my placement] was in the lower half, but I was still happy. I made it to area, and I got that experience so it was a good feeling. I beat out a bunch of Hebron and Flower Mound kids, so that’s all I needed to feel good.”

Q: Are there any future goals or accomplishments you want to achieve as a member of band?

A: “There’s our solo competition coming up, and I’d love to get outstanding soloist at that. I’d also like to just get to teach more people before I’m done with high school.”

Q: How has being a part of band impacted you as a person?

A: “It’s impacted me in almost every way. It’s pushed me to be more determined and focused with what I’m doing. A lot of teachers here have helped me with that too.”

Q: What lessons do you think you’ve learned from being a member of band, and what do you think other people or future band members can learn or gain as members of band?

A: “Stay focused and keep doing what you like to do.”