Hollyn Slykhuis is a junior at Harrisonburg High School. She is a participant in many of the fine arts activities offered at HHS. She was in all the musicals during middle school as well as the musicals during her freshman and sophomore year. She also participates in honors choir and honors symphonic band, as well as jazz band.

How old are you?

15

What grade are you in?

11th

How many years have you been in band?

I started in 5th grade.

What got you interested in band?

Most of my friends decided to do it, so  I thought I would try it.

What instrument do you play or have played?

I play the trumpet. I tried the French horn for a few weeks in seventh grade, but it didn’t go so well.

What is your position in band?

Field Commander

I am second in command to Ava Reynolds, who is the Drum Major, so if she needs anything I am her go to person. I help communicate between the field and the podium and I am going to do a little conducting friday night.

What is the best part of being field commander?

I really like being able to have a central voice on the field. So when there are lots of people talking at once, usually I am their go to for one final opinion.

What is the worst part of being field commander?

I feel sometimes I don’t understand my job. Because this is the first time we have had this position.

What have your past roles been in band?

Sophomore year: Trumpet section leader.

What is your favorite part of band overall?

I really like the people. It’s a really good community and group.

On average how much time does band take in a week?

At least 13 hours a week.

What has band taught you?

Definitely working as a team. Because you could have your best run of a show, but if the band doesn’t have its best run of a show, then it still wasn’t successful.