Piano Man

Music has always been a part of senior Zack Shoemaker’s life. Whether it be band, choir, musical theater, etc., Zack has always been active in the music world. After graduation, Shoemaker is headed to Baker University to continue his studies in this subject.

“At Baker, I am going to be majoring in music education and I will be doing both parts, so I will be in both band and choir,” Shoemaker said, “I will also be playing piano as a secondary instrument. In order to become a choir teacher, I have to be able to learn piano.”

Shoemaker is beyond excited to see what Baker has to offer, not only in the music department, but the student life as well.

“I’m looking forward to trying to find a new crowd of people, honestly,” he said, “I have been so used to being with a crowd here in Eudora and being seen as more of a leader in a lot of situations. I want to be a leader at Baker, but with a different group of people.”

Over the course of four years, Zack has participated in three musicals, three plays, and numerous other choir and band performances. He has been a member of band since sixth grade and a member of choir since seventh grade. As his time at EHS expires, two of Zack’s teachers share some of their favorite qualities about him and about his high school career.

“Zack is a determined individual,” Damian Johnson, EHS band director, said, “He is one of those students that does not take no for an answer…always looking to find solutions. Zack also loves a challenge, which is why I believe Baker University will work very well for him.”

Ashley Ramirez, EHS choral director, said, “Zack is a go-getter. He really enjoys being involved and pushing himself to become a better musician and leader. He isn’t afraid to take risks and that’s what you need in this profession. Zack wants to be a choral director, at least for now! He has passion and strong work ethic; the two main things you need in this profession.”

Although band and choir have similar components, they each have their own unique characteristics about them. Zack shared that these characteristics are some of his favorite reasons of being a musician.

“Being a musician gives me an insight to different sides of things,” Shoemaker said, “The instrumental side is much different than the vocal side. In my opinion, the vocal side, you have to think a lot more about what goes into singing than playing in band.”

With the wide range of music being produced, young musicians’ inspirations change from time to time. Zack’s inspiration, however, is different than others.

“There’s always that artist on the radio that I enjoy listening to, but really my inspiration comes from Mrs. Ramirez and Mr. Johnson,” he said, “Mrs. Ramirez has kind of always been there and since my freshmen year, she’s taken me under her wing and led me through high school. She’s made me realize that I really only need one person to believe in me and that I can accomplish anything and everything. It’s something that I kind of live by.”

As the countdown to graduation gets smaller, the question of “What will you miss the most about highschool?” arises.

“I will definitely miss the people,” Shoemaker said, “I enjoy being in choir and being with my classmates. I have a lot of fun with everyone. That family aspect is what I am going to miss the most.”