Name: Lindsay Walsh
Age: 17
School/grade: West Milford High School Senior
Activity/Sport: Marching Band
This week we Take Five with Lindsay Walsh, a member of the award-winning Highlander Marching Band. She takes her music very seriously, and it shows in her performance. Lindsay has a great role model in her favorite teacher. Make sure you go to westmilfordmessenger.com to read our bonus five with Lindsay.
1) How did you get involved with the marching band?
As a freshman, I was still new to West Milford and my neighbor was a member of the marching band. He told me that it was a really great experience and an awesome way to make new friends and he was right. I met all of my close friends through marching band and the experience was one I will never forget.
2) What would most people be surprised to know about the marching band?
Most people would be surprised when they see how much energy it takes. Not just by marching on the field, but the fact that we do so much traveling. We attend every football game, home and away, as well as our own competitions that sometimes can be very far. Getting home from a late night football game and waking up early the next day for a full morning of rehearsal and competition in the evening can be tiring, but we help each other through it to reach our mutual goal of excellence.
3) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
My favorite teacher is definitely Dr. McLaughlin. He is the only teacher I have had for four years in a row and I have learned a lot under his direction. He really knows how to get information through to his students as well as how to apply it. He not only teaches us how to be great musicians, but how to be great people as well. He puts a lot of responsibility on our shoulders, but I know it will help us when we get out into the real world.
4) Share a favorite moment with the marching band.
Every moment with the marching band is a wonderful moment, but one that I will never forget is when we performed at MetLife Stadium this past season. The feeling of being in such a large stadium with an enormous audience was both overwhelming and exciting. The band had a wonderful show and it was definitely an experience to remember.
5) Share something no one knows about you.
Something no one knows about me is that when I first became drum major, I almost backed out because I did not feel like I was ready for the responsibility that came with it.
You are definitely up to the challenge, Lindsay. And we are grateful for how wonderfully you represent West Milford.
Do you know a young person who should be featured here at Take Five? Contact us at njoffice@strausnews.com and tell us who and why. Our goal is to feature all of the great kids in the township.
Bonus Five
6) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration would have to be Dr. McLaughlin. His passion for music is extremely contagious and he always has wonderful advice to offer. I knew just after freshman year that I wanted to continue studying music after high school and become a teacher just like him.
7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
I would bring food, water, and duct tape. Mythbusters did an entire episode on how to survive on a deserted island with using only duct tape!
8) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
Being a highlander means having pride, school spirit, and overall support for your peers. It means getting involved as much as you can to make the best of your high school years.
9) What do you do with your time when you are not participating in marching band?
When marching band season is over, I continue to practice my clarinet. I am also a member of the indoor percussion group which does not end until after spring break. When I am not busy, I spend quality time with my family, friends, and boyfriend.
10) What is your favorite movie, book or character and why?
My favorite movie would have to be The Wizard of Oz. It is such a classic movie and I loved it ever since I was a child.