Coming from a family that places a remarkably high value on music, senior Brad Kirby has always fostered a passion for music. His talent as a musician and leader is shown through his involvement in various selective clubs and activities at South. According to Kirby, as a member of marching band, symphonic winds, jazz ensemble, master singers, Scat That, Nine and Chambers, he’s thankful that he has all of these opportunities.

“I stay up late almost every night, but I am willing to do that because it’s okay with me if I stay up past midnight because […] I’m glad to have these opportunities,” Kirby said. “I think it’s a real blessing to be involved.”

According to his mom Julie Kirby, music is a given in their family. All of their children have “started out playing soccer but then have gravitated toward music.”

“We have a couple pianos in the house, and many times or every night someone is playing something on the piano or singing something,” Julie said. “It’s just part of the atmosphere of our family.”

According to Kirby, being trombone section leader is his most difficult challenge in band. However, he is honored to have the position. Being a section leader comes with a lot of responsibilities as well as leadership skills that have helped Kirby develop.

“You have to really keep your section under control,” Kirby said. “You have to know the bad and good parts of your section as a whole. You have to know what to fix and what needs a little more work.”

Support for Kirby’s endeavors in music has not solely come from his family. Kirby’s fellow band/choir members and directors at South also form his support team. As a band member under Kirby’s leadership, junior Adam Ley recognizes the impact Kirby makes on others in band.

“He’s a really good person who leads by example,” Ley said. “He doesn’t mess around; he keeps you in check. He’s a good role model for the rest of the section.”

Kirby’s musical success has given him the opportunity to travel with band which is an important experience to him. According to Kirby, he sees these moments as results of his hard work and determination.

“I really like going on trips for jazz band because we go all over. We go to jazz showcases and restaurants to perform,” Kirby said. “And I always thought that that was a really great aspect of it.”

According to Kirby, his family history and home environment have strongly influenced him. The variety of instruments and musical talents in his life have helped make him become a well rounded musician. Julie says that all his activities have helped him learn time management and leadership in an engaging way.

“I think he makes a lot of friends, and I think he loves doing it,” Julie said. “As long as he’s happy and doing something that he enjoys, then all to him.”

Kirby’s passion for music has influenced his plans for his future. As a senior, Kirby is forming a fairly concrete idea of what he wants to do after high school.

“I’m pretty sure I want to go into music education,” Kirby said. “I’m not really sure where I’m going to go yet, but I’m applying to a bunch of schools. I’ve always thought of becoming a teacher for choir; I thought it would be a good match.”

Kirby has made many connections with students throughout his years at South in the music department. Influencing others as a leader, bandmate, and performer, Kirby’s love for music is apparent.

“I’m going to miss him,”Ley said. “It’s been three years that I’ve been with him, and it’s been a good three years. I hope he comes back.”