Page 13 - 2019 Senior Will

To the trumpet rookies: thanks for being an awesome rookie class. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with this year; you were all excellent learners and even taught me quite a bit. There’s a real sense of strength and bonding that I get from this group; keep it up. A few quick shout-outs to particular individuals: John – I saw you improve so much this season. You put a lot of effort into everything and it really paid off. Keep it up! Tim – it was great to have someone in the section with the same major as myself. You’ve got a lot of talent, and it was also really cool to learn you do guard as well! Andrew – I didn’t know someone could work and play that hard. It’s honestly impressive; it was great having you in the section. Ricky – thanks for stepping up to fill one of the holes we had this season; you more than made up for it. I’m so glad you could join us. Sean – great job marching this season. It was great seeing you both on the field and in the studio. Allie – you’re a wonderful person, and that card really helped lift my spirits on a day when I needed it. Thank you. Alyssa – wow. You did a FANTASTIC job this season. A few weeks in, and you already looked like you’d been marching for years. It was wonderful to not only have the opportunity to answer all your questions (and continue to answer them) but to get to know you as a friend as well.
To the trumpet non-seniors: Connor – I know I can find you annoying at times, and you probably find me annoying as well, but when it comes down to it, you’re a really good friend and a good guy. It’s always great to have someone to talk to Star Wars about. Sam D’Amore – your wit and humor help keep me sane, or at least as sane as I’m going to be. Michael – thanks for being an excellent dress point this season... sorry I assigned your dot like that for most of the shows. Austin – always good to look out my window and see a friendly face, even if it’s a little unexpected! It’s been great working with you on staff and in the studio. Abbi – I love your sense of humor and your enthusiasm... not many people would break their ankle and still show up to the next game in full uniform on crutches! Emily – it was awesome having somebody to talk to about construction stories during band camp this year. I look forward to maybe working with you in the future! Matt – you’re the only Matt in the section now. Do the name proud! I know you will though; you’re a great marcher and excellent trumpet player. Sam von Fricken – you’re a good man and a good friend. It’s always fun to chat about WWII history, and I really enjoy having you in the section. Tommy Cael – always a great time talking with you before rehearsal. Still can’t get over how awesome of a costume that was.
To Haley Will: Thank you for being a mom to the trumpets and being there for all of us for the past four years. I’m really glad you could join us one last time.
To Rachel Reynolds: it’s been a great four years. You’re an awesome friend, and an incredibly smart and funny person. I love the way you tell stories, and I enjoy every single one. I’m so glad we’ve had lunch together so often over the years and continued to hang out. I’ve learned so much from you; be it Italian, cognitive science, psychology, or even your favorite comedians and musicals. You continue to broaden my horizons and for that I am immensely grateful.
To Katie Hardy: it seems like I’ve only really gotten to know you this year, but I’m so glad I did. You’ve got a wonderful sense of humor, wisdom well beyond your years, an amazingly positive outlook on life, and a capacity to put up with my rants about seemingly random topics either in person or by text. You’re an awesome friend.
To Tori Dahl: I know you couldn’t march this year, but it just wouldn’t be right for me to write this and leave you out; it didn’t even feel right being there without you this season. You’ve helped me so much over the years and always been there when I needed you, no matter what. You truly are a wonderful person, more than I can ever express. Some of my fondest memories of my time at UD are with you, and I can’t wait to continue to form them. I love you, and can’t wait to spend more time with you in the future.