A TEEN’S TAKE: Amanda Crump on playing a ‘masculine’ instrument
“I picked the trombone in middle school because it was the biggest instrument available for me to play and I was a little bit of a tomboy back then… People are surprised (that I play trombone), but I am really glad that I chose it and stuck with it because the trombone allows me to play in both marching and jazz bands. Practice is key. I’ve always practiced a lot, but prior to big competitions I practice even more. When I got more focused on jazz, that required extra practice. For the past two months, I have been practicing every day in preparation for my college auditions. Practice really does make a big difference; I get more comfortable playing and I really do see progress.”
Age: 17
School: St. Michael High School
Parents: Mitzi and Phil Arena, Hamp and Lana Crump
FAVORITES:
Book: “Fahrenheit 451”
Music: Top three favorite artists are James Taylor, Blink-182 and Major Lazer.
Movie: “The Godfather,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Pulp Fiction”
Role model: Esperanza Spalding, a female bassist and vocalist
TV show: “SpongeBob SquarePants,“ “Adventure Time“ and “Regular Show”
Hangout: CC’s Coffeehouse
Extra: Crump is a member of Beta Club. Her musical honors include making All-Parish Jazz Band three years, All-Parish Concert Band two years, All-State Jazz Band two years and Regional Jazz Band two years. She also plays guitar, bass guitar and keyboard. She was awarded the Warrior Shield Award in 2011.
Chante Dionne Warren
Special to The Advocate