The Spirit of Cerritos: Meet Cerritos High School's Amanda Oyama

Editor's Note: Patch will be posting musician profiles and features in anticipation of the  .

I am a freshman at . The reason why I started playing the clarinet was because when I wanted to be part of the band at school in the fourth grade I ended up with my sister’s old instrument. As I learned how to play the clarinet, I soon fell in love with it. My interest in music was partly because of my grandfather and grandmother. My grandfather played the shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and my grandmother played the koto (zither).

I have been playing the clarinet for six years. I learned how to play the clarinet at . My teachers at Wittmann were Mr. Henshall and Mrs. Kesinger. I continued to play the clarinet at , where Mr. Hallback was my teacher for two years. When I was in the eighth grade, Mr. Trost came to Carmenita and told us that the Cerritos High School band was going to play at the Summer Olympics. After that talk, I was excited to join the Cerritos band. During marching season, I learned many new things. I learned that marching isn't just about being able to march in straight lines for parades while playing an instrument. It was about marching in intricate patterns on the field while playing an instrument. The competitions were scary, but I enjoyed being a part of it.

When I auditioned for Wind Symphony I was very nervous, but I was thrilled when I made it in. The months I have been in Wind Symphony was fun, but sometimes it was difficult. When the music was hard I had to work harder to play well. I had to practice more to become a better clarinet player.

Through band, I have made many new friends. It has definitely been a great experience. I think band is one of the very few classes where I can actually connect with people of all ages who have one thing in common. We all love playing our instrument. In marching band, everyone had to know their own part well in order to have a good show. Everyone in Wind Symphony contributes their playing abilities with the guidance of Mr. Trost to create great music. I still can't believe how fortunate I am to be a part of Wind Symphony and I am very excited to perform at the 2012 Olympics.

I am Amanda Oyama and I am the Spirit of Cerritos.

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Donor and Sponsorship Opportunities to Support the CHS Wind Symphony Still Available

Community members and local businesses are encouraged to donate funds toward this historic trip. Donor and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Fundraising Coordinator Leslie J. Machado at (562) 577-1802 or via email at lesliejmachado@gmail.com.

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