Photo by: Megan Jeffries
Blog by: Margarita Azaria
Student Spotlight is a new blog by Mararita Araiza featuring an individual student and what makes them a great part of Oak Park. Have suggestions for another student who deserves the spotlight? Leave a comment below.
Have you ever thought about playing a band instrument but thought that it was too difficult? Senior Andrew Hickman takes joy in learning new instruments even if they are hard to learn. He is able to play percussion, the ukulele, the clarinet, the stringed bass, the piano, the euphonium and the tuba.
“YouTube is a l lovely thing,” he said.
Imagine having the ability to only take a month or a month and a half to be able to play an instrument. That’s how long Hickman takes teaching himself from YouTube videos or by his own talent.
Starting up at age ten, having his mom Lisa Hickman, who is the accompanist here at Oak Park, suggest him to try the drums was a great thing that happened that would later affect his life and Oak Park.
Hickman, being part of the Oak Park drum line for the past 3 years, now 4 years, recently was part of drum line’s 1st place victory on Saturday, October 20 in Trenton, Missouri for Missouri Marching Day.
His achievements and opportunities didn’t begin stop there. Earning Best Marcher and Best Symphonic Member for a couple years has been a great accomplishment. Hickman has even been able to play timpany with the Kansas City Symphony.
Hickman knows music is the path he wants to follow. He knows he wants to study Music Education at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, but he also wants to be part of greater marching bands out of High School. He will be auditioning for the Drum Core, which is like a “Professional” or “NFL” Marching band where only 8 or 9 people out of hundreds are chosen for each instrument. He will also audition for All District Jazz Band, and the NKC School District Band as well.
Hickman keeps himself busy and is doing everything he can to reach his goals.
“He has the potential to be a good band director,” says band instructor Bata Fernandez.
He not only plays these instruments for himself, but also for others. Hickman takes time out of his busy schedule and shares his musical talent with 6th graders at Northgate Middle School in teaching them how to play tuba and clarinet, which not everyone is capable of doing.
“You don’t really think when you play. I feel like a unicorn [when playing],” he said.
Having that feeling and being able to relax from everything else happening in the world, and also knowing you’re good at what you enjoy, is a great feeling that is hard for anyone to find.
To finish it off, Andrew Hickman even sings. He not only is in orchestra, jand, bazz band, Oak Street band, Treble Effects, his church’s band, community band, but he also sings in a cappella choir as a bass and baritone.
Andrew Hickman, as anyone can see, has a bright musical future ahead of him.
Lisa Hickman • Oct 23, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Is it fair to leave a comment since I’m his mom 🙂
Thank you, this is a great piece!
Lisa Hickman • Oct 23, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Is it fair to leave a comment since I’m his mom 🙂
Thank you, this is a great piece!