Being a senior flutist in the Solon High School band, Nicole Ratka talks about her journey and experience being a part of the SHS band. She dives into specifics about the social atmosphere expressed by the SHS band.

Q: What inspired you to do band?

A: I always had a passion for music and playing an instrument, since everyone in my family was in marching band, it really inspired me to join the marching band in fifth grade.

Q: What excites you when you’re at band?

A: The atmosphere is definitely really upbringing, I’m hanging out with all my friends, everybody there is always nice and supportive, and I always have a fun time when I’m there.

Q: So you would say that the social atmosphere is good and there’s nothing negative going on with it?

A: Most definitely yes.

Q: Are you in just a marching band or do you do concert band as well?

A: I am in band all year during the fall season. I am in marching band, so I’m at all the football games and with my friends, and during the rest of the year we have concert band. And concert band usually has around two concerts each year, and even though marching band is definitely more fun, I still enjoy concert band.

Q: So on to the more specifics, what instrument do you play? And what drew you to it?

A: I play the flute, and honestly my mom definitely inspired me to play the flute since when she was a kid she played the flute all throughout middle school and high school. She really enjoyed it, and I thought I would enjoy it too, so that’s why I picked the flute to play.

Q: Did you guys have band camp this year, and if you did how was it?

A: This year was a little bit different. In previous years we would have band camp at Walsh University. This year we had band camp although it was not overnight. Instead it was at the Solon High School. It was definitely a different vibe compared to the other years, but we still learned all of our halftime shows and pregame drills that we needed for this upcoming year.

Below, Nicole offers a sneak peak into the traditions of the SHS marching band and more. The marching band will next perform at the Friday, Sept. 24 football game at Twinsburg High School.