Emily Ross, daughter of Jerry and Kelly Ross, will be attending Eastern Illinois University where she will perform in the orchestra playing the cello.
What other sports and activities – clubs, organizations, groups (in and out of school) have you been in during your time at NCHS? Clubs:
I participated in Spanish club, HIstory club, Science club, Math club, and Beta club. I did marching band (drum major for two years, head drum major for one), concert band, pep band, and chorus for four years. I have been in the past three years of musicals including Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella in which I played one of the stepsisters (Charlotte), and Joseph. I played trumpet in the pit for the 2019 pops concert. I was also involved in the SACC praise team for the past three years.
What made you decide this school was the best fit for you?
EIU is well known for their music program and their incredible fine arts center. I chose EIU because I feel as if this school has a lot to offer to me for an affordable price, so it really offers the best of both worlds.
How do you feel NCHS has prepared you for this next step in life?
NCHS has prepared me very well for my future in music. I have been able to take marching band, concert band, chorus, and career practicum. Each of these classes have provided me with valuable knowledge that I will need as I continue my education in music. My love for music was definitely able to blossom throughout the years while I participated in these classes.
What are at least two life lessons you have learned from your musical time at NCHS ?
Marching band in specific has taught me many life lessons. Throughout the last four years I have learned that hard work doesn’t pay off without perseverance. There are many hours of hard work involved in marching band, but if everyone were to quit when things start to get difficult, then our band wouldn’t be as successful as we are today. I feel as if this is a valuable life lesson that will definitely apply to my educational career. My involvement within the NCHS musicals has also provided me with important life lessons. One of them being “everyone’s replaceable”. Although that phrase is sort of a running joke within the cast and the directors, I feel as if it is a valuable lesson that is applicable to life and especially the professional world. You have to work hard to be the best you can be at all times. Whether it’s a character on stage or a job position, there is always someone out there that can take your place if you become unappreciative of your opportunities or begin to slack. This is a lesson that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
How have your instructors and/or directors helped prepare you to perform at a collegiate level?
My instructors Mr. Finley and Mr. Ridlen have provided me with many opportunities to push myself in music. Solo and Ensemble and IMEA are great examples of this. They have also provided a wide range of musical selections throughout my time in marching band, concert band, and chorus. All of which have helped to better prepare me for a college curriculum
What will you miss the most next year about not being a Newton Eagle?
I will miss being an Eagle due to the sense of a second family that I have gotten from not only the school, but activities such as band and musical. Although EIU is not far away, I will miss the closeness of a small town.
Out of everything, the thing I will miss the most about being a Newton Eagle is the sense of community and familiarity. I always felt at home and supported during my time at school. If I had any problems at school, I knew there would be someone I could talk to and help me address the issue.
