Artist of the issue

Throughout the hallways of County, you may hear the various tunes and melodies of long time student musician player, senior Emily Banner. What originally started as a random suggestion, turned into a lifelong passion in music.

At only four years old, Banner started playing the piano. But, when a bassoon quartet suggested that Banner start playing, everything changed for her.

“I was like, I’m not interested in playing two instruments at once,” Banner said. She was very hesitant to play two instruments at once since it would take up so much time. Years later, she changed her mind and is now juggling playing two instruments.

Playing both the bassoon and the piano has allowed her to grow as a musician. Although she has learned a lot from her teacher, Darron Young, at County, there are still unexpected things that happen during her performances. Most notably, a shared experience amongst bassoonists seems to be cutting their lip on their reed.

“I swear it’s like a curse or something, or maybe some blessing. If you get blood on your reed, that reed is going to play perfectly for the rest of the concert,” Banner said.

While looking for performance opportunities, Banner’s dad suggested that she play a piece that was recommended to her on YouTube, P.D.Q. Bach’s Sonata Abassoonata. That simple suggestion became her senior recital piece in which she would play all 3 parts. At the Catoctin School of Music, seniors choose a song to play for their last piece before graduation.

“So, I bought the music and I started practicing. I’ve been practicing for like a year now, I think,” Banner said. “It’s a very fun piece to play,” Banner added.

Although this is a big project for Banner, she notes there are other pieces she loves playing for performances. Whether it be an opera piece, or something on the radio, Banner will take the time to learn it.

“I heard this song on the radio on the way to a hike somewhere. I was like, I could play that on the bassoon. So I printed out the music and spent like two months learning that piece, which is really fun on the bassoon,” Banner said.

Just recently in early November, Banner got the opportunity to play for staff here at school. She decided to play a satirical piece, P.D.Q. Bach’s Abassoonata that tricked those in the crowd. Before she played, she announced that the pianist would not be able to make it and she would have to play both instruments.

“I had a few teachers that came up to me and were like, I’m so proud of your ability to play no matter what. I just don’t think they got the joke of the piece,” Banner said.

When talking about her future in music, Banner isn’t planning to major in music in college but wants to keep up this hobby throughout college. Although she doesn’t want it to be her career, she says that it can aid her emotionally.

“It definitely can be kind of calming sometimes. If I’m really frustrated about something and I sit down and play for a bit, it’s good. It forces my breath to get normal because I have the reed,” Banner said. “It’s a really good calming tactic,” she added.

Throughout her music journey and many music lessons, she has learned tips that could potentially help other current or future bassoon players as well as developing pianists.

“Practice and find something you love to play. If you’re forcing yourself into something you don’t enjoy, you’re not gonna go that far,” Banner says. Although she was talking primarily about music, her words of advice go for any hobby you may have.

Lately, her recitals have shown the work that Banner has put in throughout the years. Banner plans to become a great bassoon player and pianist, while continuing her music hobby. In fact, Banner said, “I want to keep playing like the rest of my life if I can. It makes me very happy.”