Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Molinar

Name:

Matthew Molinar

What year(s) did you march in the Blue Knights?

2013 & 2014: Trumpet

Where did you attend school?
Odessa High School
West Texas A&M University for Bachelors of Music
 
What is your current occupation?
Orchestra Director
 
Why did you choose to march with the Blue Knights?

In 2011, a good friend, Cris Chapa marched with Blue Knights. I fell in love with English Folk Song Suite, and from the moment they performed the show in my home town, I knew I was gonna be a Blue Knight.

What is your favorite drum corps memory? 
I have too many wonderful memories with so many wonderful people. I could talk about my time as a Blue Knight for hours. Making lifelong friends who were my source of strength and comfort on tour. I think about you all often and wish you the best. Also, learning from world class instructors and educators. I remember Brad Toth buying Powerade for the entire hornline. Visual rehearsal warm-ups led by Jeremy Thompson set to the Superman Soundtrack. Removing our shako’s after a show and feeling the collective hearts of the entire ensemble growing with pride.
 
How have the Blue Knights impacted your life? 
An easy motto to help me overcome life’s challenges was, “I’ve done harder things on less sleep.” Being a Drum Corps Alum opened doors for me in college and my career. It helped propel me to becoming a band director upon graduating my university. I still wear my shako links and enzos every day.
 
What are some of the Blue Knights’ core values/principles that have resonated with you in life? 
Excellence is something to strive for every time you make music. Not just for concerts and performances, but for rehearsals, too. I want to instill that in the way I teach and help my students develop eagerness for growth as well as a love for music.
“Choose happy” ~ Todd Clevenger
“Play a 20” ~ Ronnie Pruitt
 
What advice would you tell someone considering trying out for the Blue Knights? 
Strive to be your best, and don’t accept anything else. There’s always room to grow, whether in marching technique or playing ability. Seek out friends who share your same goals and lift each other up to realize your goals.
 
How would you like to see other Blue Knight alumni get involved in the organization? 

Both in marching as a student performer, and in teaching as a grown educator, all it takes is a little positive support to help push past hard days, and continue to strive for success.  Attend the nearby shows, rep the BK merchandise, and always encourage student performers to seek higher levels of performance with the home team.

How has teaching in Texas been for you?
After teaching 8 years of junior high school band, and finishing my 2nd year teaching an orchestra, I can say its become a dream come true. I get to wake up everyday and make music with some wonderful young people. I teach, perform, and continue to learn everyday. I could not imagine a better career.

What is your student’s name?

His name is Walker Holloway and he plays mellophone. He came to Midland from east Texas during middle school as a wonderful french horn player. Upon entering his freshman year, he joined orchestra, learned string bass, and performs in both the top orchestra and top band. It’s hard to believe that it took 10 years for me to have a student who would march drum corps and its with my home team, the Blue Knights! Words cannot express my pride.

I plan to attend the DCI Southwest Championship in San Antonio to cheer on my student and other Midland High School band students performing that afternoon.  I Go On.

 


∴ Want to be featured in a future Alumni Spotlight?  Email us at Alumni@AscendPerformingArts.org

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