By Jake Faghan, ’23

Staff Writer

It’s that time of year, when the weather gets warmer and the senior countdown gets closer and closer to graduation. As time speeds by, the class of 2023 prepares to embrace a new chapter of life. With each graduating student, comes a story they offer. With the journey of the Class of 2023 ending, we reflect with senior members of the Pride of Hanover Band on their high school stories.

How has music shaped you as a person?

Cassie Lopes – “Music was always there for me when I needed anything. I love to play and listen when I’m sad and it’s a wonderful coping mechanism. … Something great that came from band was my confidence. Performing on an instrument like the horn is so difficult, and as I started to get good and performed well, my confidence in other areas definitely also improved.”

Emily Dillon – “Music has had the biggest impact out of everything in my life. So much so that I’ve decided to pursue it as a career. It’s given me so many opportunities that have helped me become a better leader, musician, and person. I loved playing with my friends and making new ones along the way.”

Bree Cole – “Music has shaped me as a person by giving me the confidence to believe in myself. Although sometimes things were hard or pieces seemed difficult, I was able to persevere and try harder.”

How will music be part of your future?

Cassie – “In college I plan to be in the pep band and the concert band at my school. …. I enjoy the marching/stands side of things as well as the more classical side of things and I want to be able to continue to have both as part of my life.”

Emily – “Music will be a big part of my college experience since I will be majoring in trumpet performance. I’m so excited to see what type of opportunities I will have over the next years.” 

Bree – “In college, I hope to join the Pep Band (and potential future matching band) as well as be in dance companies and ensembles.”

What does playing the traditional ‘Homeward Bound’ mean to you?

Cassie – “I’ve been thinking back to everything I’ve done over the past four years with band, and I have loved it. I’m going to miss the safety of that room but with ‘Homeward Bound,’ I know I can always return and be welcomed with open arms. The song means I need to go on to do something bigger and I always have space in the band room to come back to visit.” 

Emily – “It reminds me that even though I’m moving on to a new chapter in my life, I will still always have this to come back to.” 

Bree – “Playing ‘Homeward Bound’ for the last time and as a senior is emotional but exciting. It is playing with my amazing band family for the last time. It means the end of this chapter and the start of my new life.”

What advice would you give the Class of 2024?

Cassie –  “Enjoy every minute of your senior year. It goes by so fast and so much happens, but every moment you spend in that band room or on the stage or on the field, you are creating a memory that will last forever.”

Bree – “Have fun and don’t stress! You will enjoy your senior year as long as you do things that make you happy!”

Emily – “Don’t take anything for granted. You’ll miss the small moments. And take pictures your senior year! It’s always fun to look back on memories and remember the fun times you had.”

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From the Friday Night Lights of autumn to Concert Blacks, the Pride of Hanover is ready for the future. For those who have to say goodbye, there is one important lesson to keep in mind: no matter what, forever and ever true, You Will Never Walk Alone.