After an introduction to marching band in junior high, freshman Chloe Duerr decided to join once again as a freshman. The percussionist draws passion from music, which drives her to continue in the realm of performance.

“I joined band when I was in seventh grade,” Duerr said. “I decided to join because music is a big part of my life and I cannot live without it; I am definitely going to stick with it all through high school.”

When she joined band, she began with playing the bass drum. Over time, however, she observed the quads and gained a desire to learn this instrument.

“I started on the bass drum; but, every time we performed, I watched people who played the quads and knew I wanted to play them,” Duerr said. “They looked like a lot of fun and a very good challenge, as well. So, I switched and have been playing the quads for two years now.”

Now that marching band is over, Duerr is focusing on winter percussion. When she was presented with the opportunity to join the drum line, she took up the chance to further fulfill her passion for music. Although she was not initially interested in this area during her junior high years, she grew to love it.

“I have been playing percussion ever since seventh grade, but I was not really interested in it [then],” Duerr said. “But, now that I am in high school, my tastes in music have changed and I am really interested to be in winter percussion. I am definitely going to join band for the next three years, and I really want to go to college and study music more.”

To find inspiration for music, Duerr looks up to figures in her family and in band. She admires their skills and leadership abilities, she said.

“I really look up to my older brother [Tyler, ’09], because he is such a great musician and has great skills,” Duerr said. “He plays many instruments such as the piano, guitar, drums and bass. He really motivates me to become a better musician and try my best. Also, my friend Eric [Cowin, ’14] inspires me because, although he is only a freshman, he is the leader of marching band.”

Throughout her musical endeavors, Duerr looks to her family and friends for companionship. They provide encouragement and teach useful lessons in percussion, she said.

“Sometimes I get frustrated when I don’t do everything right — I get discouraged,” Duerr said. “But there are people who support me, and without them I would not be where I am now.

“My friend Jennifer Smith [’13] supports me by telling me to keep trying, even though I may not succeed the first time; my other friend Sydney Carlson [’11] helps me with hard music and just encourages me to keep at it. Also, my parents support me with whatever I do, so it is good to know that there are people supporting me by my side.”

According to music director Michael Ogdon, Duerr is a diligent member of the band who helps to unify the group. Her enthusiasm is a vital component of the musical groups in which she participates, Ogdon said.

“Chloe is intensely determined to get everything right and will work hard at her part with others,” Ogdon said. “She also interacts with everyone. She does not lead with her words, but she leads with her actions. Not only that, I think her identity comes from band, since she is so dedicated to it.”

Drum major Cowin has observed Duerr in various campus bands and recognizes her dedication and passion. He admires the abilities and endurance he sees in the freshman percussionist, he said.

“I think that Chloe is an amazing musician, because she works so hard at it and is always dedicated,” Cowin said. “Even though it can be tough at times, I have never seen her give up.”

The music department will next perform their Christmas presentation, Round the Table Carol Sing, at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 15, in Ground Zero.

For more information on band, read the Oct. 29 article, Band to march in Selma Festival.

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