The dedication to playing music and being an all around opportunist has landed Katie Green in a desirable environment.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
With flute in hand and a positive attitude, Katie Green is hitting the music scene in TJ’s orchestra with admirable talent and high spirits. Green has been recognized by TJ Instrumental Music Teacher, Robin Johnson, and highly-esteemed TJ Violinist Luke Degregori, as an enthralling individual who has much to give to her community.
Green says that her siblings have been an influence on her decision to choose a path in the musical world. “My sister played the flute for 17 years, and one day I decided to pick it up and start playing. I tried the trumpet for a while as well, but that’s more of my brother’s instrument,” said Green. Katie has been playing ever since she was a young girl and has been persistent and persevering with her instrument; she has made a name for herself in the many bands in which she has been involved.
Katie’s personality is one the stands out from the rest; approaching everything she does with integrity and responsibility makes her a unique individual. “She’s honest. In our class we have tried some different arrangements because of the other levels of students [in music], and with all these different arrangements Katie is honest about what she thinks works and doesn’t work, or she will give me ideas,” said Johnson. “I appreciate her honesty because she is respectful with her feedback. She doesn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, but only to be honest with her commentary,” said Johnson.
Katie is seen as the kind of individual who defines herself with her strong-willed character. “I admire her dedication to something that might be frustrating, such as watching me work with the beginners, which isn’t easy. I appreciate her gentility, but she is a strong person, too; she will not get blown over by what someone thinks or says because she will stand for what she thinks is right,” said Johnson.
Green has always been an avid participant in bands with her flute. Ever since she was young, she has been involved with orchestral music and other activities in some way. “I’ve played with the Hamilton Middle School band, Thomas Jefferson band, and the City-Wide band in Denver,” said Green.
Music can be an escape for anyone, and in Katie’s case it is no different. Playing music at football and basketball games alongside her friends has given her memories that she says she will remember for the rest of her life. “We have a lot of fun traveling. Playing together and just having a good time is what it’s all about,” said Green.
Apart from being so intertwined with music, Katie enjoys volunteering at the Denver Food Bank to help out those who are less fortunate. Along with the charity work, Katie is involved with a music mentorship at Slavens Middle School. By attending and interacting with the Slavens band practices, Katie has helped younger musicians achieve a heightened sense of musical knowledge. “These kinds of choices are the ones that define the kind of individual that Katie is. She has the patience and dedication to teach students, which is very impressive to see in a person as young as Katie,” said Johnson.
Among the many goals she has achieved, attending the Masonic Band Camp in Greeley – with a full ride scholarship – is one of the more recent accomplishments in Katie’s repertoire. Johnson nominated Katie due to her exceptional approach to music; consequently, Katie was awarded with the scholarship. “I believe that those who won the scholarship are the kinds of people that are trustworthy enough not to throw away an opportunity such as this one. They are able to take advantage of the scholarship in an effective way, apart from being able to play their instruments,” said Katie.
During the week-long Masonic Band Camp, students stay in the dorm rooms of the University of Northern Colorado campus (UNC) and eat meals on campus, as well. The opportunities created memories and experiences that Katie says she was able to partake in. “It’s a great experience to make new friends through music and play together. Excelling with other people who are experienced is always good,” said Katie. At the end of the week, Katie and her fellow musicians participated in the Fourth of July Parade in Greeley by marching and playing their patriotic melodies.
“One thing that I will remember is how we would have band wars between the trumpeters, saxophonists and the other musicians. A group of people with trumpets would sneak up on us and blast their instruments in our ears. In revenge, we would grab tubas and saxophones, sneak up on them, and blast them back,” said Katie with a sly smile.
Katie’s good traits are also observed and appreciated by her peers. “I think she’s an amazing flautist. Ever since I first saw her play during her freshman year, I could tell that there was something about the way she played music,” said Senior Orchestra Violinist Luke Degregori. “Apart from this talent though, I’ve been seeing her develop in these past years by becoming more comfortable with what she’s gifted with and guiding others in the band. I feel like she’s growing more and more into the role of a leader in the band; not just in the band but as an individual, as well. Her skill as a musician and a leader is really starting to show, and I can only see it getting better from here on out,” said Degregori.
