Among the many students at Shadow Ridge High School, is one who has truly mastered their craft and honed their skills to be the light that guides them through their high school years, senior, band captain, and track star, Delvin Dennis.
At the age of 10, Dennis found his connection to music, though he loved it, he wanted to embrace it and take his love for it further. Starting off, he wasn’t sure of his potential; people were guiding him to be an athlete rather than a musician. Giving into others was never his style so when trying something new Dennis felt as if he was able to be his true self, one that he could be proud of, one that he could take pride in being when pursuing his musical endeavors.
Dennis said, “Those with a closed off mindset will never get far, as there’s nothing wrong for being different and trying new things in life.”
Coming into high school, he was excited to join the band, as he knew he had a talent and could utilize it for his benefit. Though still nervous about how people would view him, and while getting used to the high school environment, he started getting comfortable with who he was, owning his character with pride. Dennis got through his freshman and sophomore years with ease, putting his talents to use, though he knew he could take it a step further. Dennis gives praise to his band director, Mr. Hartley, as he credits him for putting Dennis in the spotlight. Though nervous, Dennis had always trusted his director and followed his lead as he knew he wouldn’t be led astray.
Dennis said, “I can say my director is one of the most influential men in my life so far.”
His director pushed him further than before, making him a brass captain his junior year. As he wanted to expand his range inside of the band, he stepped outside his comfort zone and joined other sections of the band on his own. Dennis took the initiative to play in Jazz Band, Marching Band, and took part in the school plays.
This year is when Dennis’s hard work has started to pay off, as time has passed Dennis started to get more recognition from others. This gave him another sense of self as he enjoys teaching others. He has helped other members practice their own notes, and in turn, has learned more about others and himself.
As his high school years are coming to a close, he wants to be prepared to move on as well as encourage others to embrace themselves and show their true colors. As Dennis enjoys his senior year, soon to pursue the next stages of his life, he wants to make sure his senior year is one to remember.
Dennis wants to leave something for those who are anxious about trying new things. He states, “Come in with an open mindset to take criticism, everything you learn, get told, and do different is a way for you to expand your mind and learn so much. People that come into any group with a closed mindset don’t get far. Learning to enjoy the hard stuff you have to do over the easy, you’ll find that all that struggle will be worth it, rewarding you with a long term feeling of happiness and success, rather than that short laugh that you may never remember.”
