Multi-instrumentalist Trevor Mather’s experience with music and his talent do not go unrecognized

     Artist. The word brings paintbrushes and canvases to mind. Most people would not associate blowing into a piece of metal as art, but some feel it could be the most artistic activity of them all.

   Senior Trevor Mather has been involved with music since he was in third grade. He is currently a part of the concert band, jazz band, show choir band, orchestra, and pep band. He began by playing the piano and in time picked up the saxophone, clarinet and bass.

    “My dad would sit me down and play chords and half steps and he would tell me what he was playing, so I did that at a really young age,” Mather said.

    Many students at NHS begin their musical careers in sixth grade in beginning band or orchestra. Mather’s head start with music has paid off according to Jazz Band director Bethany Robinson.

    “Trevor has always been a stand-out student,” Robinson said. “He started in jazz band as a very talented bass player and when he asked me to play saxophone this year, it was evident that he was working very hard to be a leader in the band.”

    Progressing through the musical field not only takes lots of practice and dedication but also support and motivation according to Mather.

    “[My dad] is one of my biggest supporters and I feel like the environment of the band program pushed me forward to get better,” Mather said.

    Trevor’s father has helped guide him in the right direction to become successful in his musical career. Trevor claims that his dad is the reason why he stuck with music.

    “I think music is really a gift to have for a lifetime and [Trevor] has just embraced it and I think it gives a person self confidence to know that you achieved something,” Trevor’s dad, George Mather, said.

    Like many things in life, performing arts and music are a team effort; the group is only as strong as their weakest players.

    “[Trevor] takes his job as a leader very seriously and encourages other students in the band to work very hard so the entire group can achieve great things at festivals and so they can play professional-level music,” Robinson said.

    According to Band Director Eric Thornbury, about 10 percent of NHS band students go on to musical careers outside of high school. Mather will be a part of that percentage.

    “I plan on going to the Jacob’s School of Music [at Indiana University] for jazz studies,” Trevor Mather said.

    At the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is if you enjoy doing what you do.

    [My favorite part about playing is] probably the people you meet and all the different styles of music you can play,” Trevor Mather said.

    For Mather, music runs in the family. It is a very important aspect of their lives. However, it is not just for listening pleasure. For the Mather’s it helps to bring everyone together.

    “Every time I hear him playing the sax, it reminds me of my dad playing and there’s a lot of memories and emotions that stir up every time I hear him,” George Mather said. “There’s also a level of being proud. I’m proud to see the achievements that he has made within the school curriculum that is offered.”