By Emily Cheatham | Staff writer
The life of a rock star, the life of the rich and famous, has been something that almost every child has considered but we all learn pretty early on that the life does not suit all. We drop out of the piano lessons after a couple months; we never quite grasp the concept of reading music, whatever our reasons. Music has a way of weeding out people.
And then there are students like senior, Erik Nordgren, who has been involved with music since he was 3 years old and can currently play piano, guitar, bass, bass clarinet, marimba, other assorted percussion instruments and even sing.
He plays in multiple jazz bands associated with the school and Indian Trail’s pep band. And when school isn’t in session he spends his summer playing with more elite jazz bands throughout the state, like the Kenosha All Star Jazz Band which is a jazz band of all the best jazz kids in the city.
As of right now, Nordgren has yet to settle on a university but he’s currently looking into Berklee College of Music, in Boston, Mass. or a musical conservatory in the Boston area as well as liberal arts colleges through the Midwest. And the only way for him to stand out to these schools is to practice constantly. A four-year musical college requires applicants to audition to enter the program so to even be considered a person has to practice nonstop with amazingly complicated pieces just to stand out from the hundreds of other kids who desperately want in as well.
Nordgren hasn’t backed down from the challenge and explained what motivates him to push through all those who say music is a hobby and he should get a real job.
“I’ve always wanted to be a professional musician because if I can bring that kind of connection and belonging that other bands and musicians have brought me, it will be worth any amount of hard work I could do,” he said.
Every musician struggles with their own demons and Nordgren has managed to push through all for the sake of his dream. Depression has been a key enemy that Nordgren has faced throughout his life and no matter how many times the thoughts seep into his head and try to tell him he isn’t good enough, he isn’t doing enough, or he should just give up, he’s able to push through by listening to his role model,
Davey Muise, the lead vocalist for Nordgren’s favorite band, Vanna. Ken Wiele, Nordgren’s long time music teacher and band director, praised Nordgren’s talent and his willingness to serve as a role model to budding musicians.
“Erik has been an exceptional member of the music program ever since the day he stepped through the doors freshman year. He not only is an excellent pianist, he plays in the school’s jazz bands, and jazz is one of the things he does really well, he also plays woodwind for the band, bass, and guitar, and is the utility guy,” Wiele said.
“All around, he can do it all. He’s really been fabulous. He doesn’t know it yet, but I’m going to flunk him. He has been a true leader with helping younger musicians.”In