Band member and senior, Alexis Gress, shares her musical journey and plans for the future.

Gress is the first trumpet player and Senior Field commander in the Lake Shore High School Band. 

Gress started playing the trumpet in sixth grade at Kennedy Middle School.

She said, “I felt good; I’ve always been first chair.”

Gress says her love for music and the work she has put into it is the inspiration for this career path. 

She explained, “I just really liked music, and I was good at it, until I had to work harder at it, but then I realized that I was really good at it, and I had good leadership qualities.”

Gress explains that she will be going to Oakland or Eastern University and will be studying music education and trumpet performance.

Gress also says that she gets most of her inspiration from other female trumpet players. She said her inspiration comes from “Alison Balsom, Bria Skonberg.” She continues, “But, I also like Wynton Marsalis and Louis Armstrong.” 

Gress shared the details of the honors band that she is in saying, “I’m in the U of M Youth Orchestra and the youth symphonic band, and we rehearse every Sunday for an hour and a half on the campus and we have two concerts a year.

Gress has spent many years dedicating herself time to music. She has been involved in different band programs like; marching, jazz, brass, and honors bands. 

Gress’ musical journey continues and her love and passion for music proceeds to bring joy to herself and others.