In this hectic world filled with due dates, expectations, and pressures from instructors, many students forget how to enjoy themselves within their own aspirations.  Scituate High School senior Josh Strake does not deter from his musical passion, the trumpet, and leads other members of the school band.

“I wasn’t really looking for anything specific. The trumpet had three buttons and I figured, how hard could it be?” said Strake.  He has played the trumpet for eight years, and finds that music has always been an important aspect of his childhood and adolescent life.

“My mom was a professional violinist for a while. She and the rest of my family are very musical, and they definitely contributed to my studies,” said Strake.  While inspired by his mother, a professional violinist in the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, Strake chose the trumpet based on his own deliberation.

Aside from Strake’s inherent joy in playing the trumpet, he has also significantly achieved as a high school musician.  Freshman year, Strake made Junior Districts and Senior SEMSBA for band.  By sophomore year, he had become section leader for both the school band and Jazz Band and made SEMSBA for the second year in a row, all of which he accomplished again in his junior year.

“Josh’s achievements are definitely a real combination of talent and hard-work over many yeas.  He is very consistent with working at his craft, and as a result, he has gotten better and better,” said Ms. Tucker, who has taught Strake in band classes since freshman year.

“It has been really nice to watch him grow.  He leads quietly by example, without bragging or yelling,” said Ms. Tucker.  As a senior, Strake is a section leader for band and Jazz Band.  Thus far in the year, he has made senior districts, and earned an All-State audition.

For all four years of high school, Strake has been a part of SHS’ Select Chorus, and in junior year he began singing in SHS’ Men’s Choir and playing for the Jazz Band.  He also participates in summer music programs, and which attributes much of his success to the extra practice time during the season.   Outside the band room, he is a member of National Honors Society and Math Club, but spends most of his time working with animals at South Coastal Animal and Health.

As his own personal philosophy, Strake believes music is helpful for academics and a sense of well-being.  “Everyone should play an instrument.  Music defined my high school experience,” said Strake.

Perhaps in our high school years, it is easiest to allow others’ jurisdiction over trends and hobbies.  Many of us seem to rush around in our efforts to fulfill expectations, but Strake certainly has no trouble marching to the rhythm of his own song, and has succeeded in past years playing his trumpet–he is a prime example of the capability to achieve if we only decide our own course of action.