WEST MILFORD — This week we Take Five with Robert Campbell, a senior at West Milford High School who struts his stuff with the marching band, jazz band and pipe band. He was influenced by his musical neighbors and hasn't looked back! Actually, he is looking forward, with his sister in mind and a life filled with adventure.
Be sure to go to our website, westmilfordmessenger.com, for our bonus five with Robert.
Name: Robert Campbell
Age: 17
School/Grade: West Milford High School/12th Grade
Activity: Marching Band/ Jazz Band/ Pipe Band
1. How did you get involved with band?
I remember growing up next to my neighbors who were all musicians. I could always hear a piano or a some horn playing beautiful melodies from 100 yards away. This constant sound caused me to fall in love with music and eventually take up several instruments throughout elementary school and middle school. When the time came to choose between football and marching band, there was no question, Music was my life.
2. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration would have to be my little sister, Kaitlyn. Ever since I could remember her being able to sing and dance, she’s been looking up to me as the music figure in our family. So I want to make sure that I can be as successful of an example as possible so when it's her turn, she can be a fantastic musician.
3. Who is your favorite teacher of all time? Why?
My favorite teacher of all time would be a tie between Mr. Jacklin and Mr. Sheremeta. Mr. Jacklin was my sophomore honors chemistry teacher and Mr. Sheremeta was my freshman honors history teacher. What I loved most about both of these teachers was that they taught my classes like colleges courses. They didn’t teach what was going to be on the test but rather what you needed to know to comprehend the curriculum.
4. What do you do with your time, when you are not doing participating in band?
When I’m not at my music activity, I am probably practicing music for it. Other than that, I like to skateboard, surf, ski and have fun outdoors.
5. Share something no one knows about you.
Besides performing in musical ensembles, the only thing that I love to do is adventure. I love exploring the nature around our town and plan on travelling the world for the rest of my life.
What a great plan, Robert! Have fun on your adventure and always remember where home is. Your sister and favorite teachers are counting on that.
Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? Let us know! Email njoffice@strausnews.com and tell us who and why. Include their contact information. We want to feature all of the wonderful young people who make West Milford special.
Bonus Five
6. What would most people be surprised to know about band?
Being in marching band, jazz band, and pipe band, most people would be surprised to find out that my practicing doesn’t end when I step off the field or leave rehearsal. Like athletes hit a weight room, I sit down and practice hours at a time to perfect my skills.
7. Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island?
If I was trapped on a deserted island and could only have three things, I would bring my guitar, surfboard and my bagpipe. I probably wouldn’t get saved but I could surf some waves and someone will eventually hear a bagpipe.
8. Share a favorite moment with your group.
I have performed in many amazing places and achieved great things with the West Milford music programs but my favorite moment was coming in second place at state finals for jazz ensemble.
9. What does being a Highlander mean to you?
Being a Highlander to me is learning how to respect others, make new friends, and of course be good at what we do.
10. What is your favorite movie, book or character? Why?
My favorite movie is Mr. Holland’s Opus. This movie is about a music teacher who had a dream of being a famous composer. But he ended up being a music teacher who changes the lives of hundreds of people over the decades. Then they all come back and perform a piece that he composed at his retirement.