Student of the week: Travis Valdez, Whitmer High School

Travis Valdez, Whitmer H.S., Student of the Week.

FAVORITES

School subject: Music, band

Extracurricular activity: Marching band

Hobbies: Composing music

Car: Mustang

Store: Men's Warehouse

Musical artist: Paul Desmond

Movie: E.T.

TV show: Family Guy

FAST FACTS

Cafeteria food must-have: Fresh chocolate chip cookies

Last book read that wasn't required: A Chromatic Approach to Jazz Harmony and Improvisation

Pet peeve: Alarm clocks

Person most admired: Dave Brubeck

Person I'd like to meet: John Williams (composer)

Items always in my locker: Practice pad/drumsticks

First job: N/A

Top accomplishment: Getting accepted into Bowling Green State University's college of musical arts.

FUTURE

After-graduation plans: I plan to study composition and jazz saxophone at Bowling Green State University hoping to become a professional composer and film scorer.

Career goal: To compose and perform my own music professionally.

Quote from teacher: "Travis has exhibited dedication and diligence in his work for the Whitmer Band Program," said Justin Rhoades, music teacher. "As a saxophonist, percussionist, composer, and leader, he has a tenacity for excellence that is rare for a musician of his age. He is an outstanding student."

-- Information is compiled by Lucas County Educational Service Center for The Blade.