By Samuel Smith, Opinions Editor

Playing an instrument is one of the most difficult arts to master for a growing youth. Those who do play one tend to spend hours on end throughout their week to hone their musical skills, striving to better grasp the auditory tool they hold within their grasp. Playing an instrument is an amazingly impressive ability to hold, with a single instrument being a notable aspect of an individual’s repertoire. 

That being said, if one instrument is an astounding skill, must you call one who plays multiple anything short of a prodigy?

Junior Heath Miller, then, qualifies for the prodigal title with flying colors, holding within his skillset the capability to play not one, not two, but rather six instruments both in his free time as well as while draped in the Nighthawk band colors.

With a sigh of exasperation, Miller lists the many instruments he has learned to play since sixth grade: “French horn, mellophone, I started on trumpet, I also know piano and violin,” Miller said. “I know trombone. I think that’s about it.”

Choosing many instruments to learn merely on a whim, Miller is fascinated by music as a whole, striving to learn as much as he can in and out of the classroom.

Miller’s interest in music has not gone unnoticed by the music department, with his prowess earning him his position as drum major of the marching band and putting him in daily close contact with band director Bob Ebert.

“I think he is hungry to learn as much as he possibly can as quickly as he possibly can,” Ebert said. “He’s playing a variety of instruments… he’ll play mellophone in the stands, he’s playing trombone in jazz band, he’s playing the violin in the stage band and he’s working with Mr. (John) Buford in the strings program.” 

Miller’s wide reach throughout the musical department of First Flight has made him more than deserving of his position of drum major, the on-field voice of the band director, ensuring that everyone does everything in an orderly fashion.

When asked why Miller was chosen, Ebert specified that a “decision” is not what placed Miller in his role:

“I didn’t choose him for it,” Ebert said. “He earned it. He auditioned for it.”

While Miller has earned the respect of the adults within the music department, his friends and peers have exhibited a deep respect for the “hunger” for musical learning that has driven Miller’s school career.

“Heath really likes music,” said senior Delaney Hanf, one of Miller’s closest friends and classmates in band. “It doesn’t matter what it is. Hip-hop, jazz, video game soundtracks, he listens to it all, plays it all, he even knows some basic music theory… he is just super talented.”

Despite personal skill, Miller’s success with instruments cannot be solely attributed to him. He derives plenty of inspiration and support from his family.

Miller’s sister took private violin lessons when she was in elementary school, and the early exposure through his sibling is what Miller credits for his ever-growing interest in music. 

Miller’s parents, too, have shown constant support for his musical ambitions, going so far as to drive him to Durham to purchase an electric violin.

While Miller isn’t sure what he wishes to do with music after high school, he is grateful to be able to play the many instruments he does simply due to the life lessons and friendships he’s gained over the years, let alone the potential scholarships once he comes around to the college admissions process.

“I’m just kind of in a raft floating down a white water river right now, seeing where life takes me,” Miller said.

At the end of the day, Miller doesn’t see his musical ability as a mere exhibition of skill through practice, but rather the culmination of his friendships, his family’s support, his teachers’ guidance and his willingness to work for success. Proving an exemplary student and friend, Miller is a true artist in the spotlight.

“(Music) really builds up your self-discipline,” Miller said. “It keeps you ahead of everything and makes sure you’re on the right pace. You should hold yourself accountable and be responsible. (Music) also benefits with making friendships, because for a lot of kids it’s hard to do that but if you’re in band it’s pretty easy. It just makes you a better person in general.”

Senior Samuel Smith can be reached at 23smithsa22@daretolearn.org.