Juan Herrera drums into WHBHS history!

Senior Juan Herrera has received a great honor. After being nominated by Mr. Seifert, our symphonic band teacher and conductor, Juan was accepted into the Percussion Ensemble of SCMEA, the Suffolk County Music Educator’s Association. SCMEA is a music festival bringing together the most accomplished musicians from schools all over Suffolk County.

Since fourth grade, Juan has been an avid drummer, always looking to better his technique and looking to challenge himself.  In elementary school, he originally wanted to be a trumpet player, yet there were too many in his grade.  Juan decided to pick up percussion. “It can’t be that hard, I’m just hitting stuff,” he thought. However, Juan found that drumming is the “heartbeat” of music and requires tremendous skill and practice.

To get into SCMEA, Juan achieved the highest ratings for his NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) solos, which increase in difficulty with each level.  At his NYSSMA solos, Juan played musical selections before judges and got outstanding feedback on his performances.

Juan has also been a very loyal and dedicated musician in our school; he is the president of Pep Band and also plays for the school’s drum line, jazz band, and pit band for the school’s musicals.  He is really excited about receiving this honor and wants to thank Mr. Seifert for nominating him.  Juan says, and we all agree, that Mr. Seifert is “awesome.”

Drum on, Juan!