Sophomore Piper Lipscomb makes her way down the fine arts hallway for the second time in one day, dragging her French horn and choir binder with her. Lipscomb plays in the varsity Wind Symphony and sings in the varsity mixed Chamber choir.
“Music is one of the most important things in my life, and I’ve been so lucky to be able to express myself through it,” Lipscomb said. “I love both band and choir, and I think the two go hand and hand, even though it’s uncommon. I can’t imagine a world where I couldn’t do one of them.”
Lipscomb has participated in choir since third grade and band since fifth grade. Now, she holds her place as one of the top French horn players in the area after All-State auditions last winter and sings with a mix of mostly juniors and seniors in Legacy’s top choir.
“One of the main things that I love about both band and choir is the family atmosphere that comes with it,” Lipscomb said. “You’re exposed constantly to so many people who love and support you in everything, and I think the friends I’ve found in band and choir are some of the best people I know.”
Lipscomb grew up in a very musical family. Her mother teaches elementary music, her father teaches middle school band and her sister studies trombone performance at Baylor University. Many of her extended family members are musicians as well.
“I’ve been surrounded by music since the day I was born and have always incorporated it in my life as much as possible,” Lipscomb said. “I’ve learned so much through music, and I’ve grown in so many ways because of it. I honestly don’t know where I would be in my life without music.”
Last February, Lipscomb applied for band leadership and became mellophone section leader and brass captain this past marching season.
“Being a section leader and a brass captain as a sophomore definitely had its challenges,” Lipscomb said. “I learned how to have confidence in myself and my abilities.”
Some of Lipscomb’s favorite memories involving music include marching competitions held on some Saturdays in October where the band performs its marching show for prestigious judges.
“We spend the whole day together from early in the morning until late at night,” Lipscomb said. “Even though it’s disgusting, the bonds that are formed on a smelly, sweaty bus are unbreakable, and we have such a fun time competing and hanging out together.”
Band and choir both include demanding rehearsal and performance schedules, especially in the summer and fall semester, when both organizations have packed summer and after-school rehearsals.
“All of the directors are super flexible and supportive, and they’re always super understanding when there’s a conflict,” Lipscomb said. “I have a detailed calendar set out to plan ahead and just stay organized in general. Everything I do both in and out of school is important to me, so it’s crucial for me to stay on top of everything.”
Lipscomb takes on many responsibilities between band and choir. As a sophomore in the varsity mixed chamber choir, she took on another big leadership role in music this past year.
“It definitely adds a lot of pressure, but in my opinion, it’s worth it,” Lipscomb said. “I love being able to lead and give everything I have to my music.”
At the end of the school year, choir students can choose to audition for a varsity choir by singing for the choir directors. Lipscomb auditioned for Head Director Josh Powell last year.
“Piper is a very driven student,” Mr. Powell said. “She works so hard at everything she does and is a fantastic musician, and she brings a high level of focus and commitment to rehearsals. She is a huge part of Chamber, and I love having her in class.”
Mr. Powell first met Lipscomb last year when she joined the freshman treble choir, Canto Dolce.
“My first impression of Piper was that she was very quiet and shy,” Mr. Powell said. “I also knew that she was a great musician and had a great voice, so I was very excited to have her in our program.”
Lipscomb, along with the other chamber members, auditioned for All-State Choir, a four-step process where students learn difficult pieces and perform them for judges. This year, Lipscomb advanced to the second round and made this year’s All-District Treble Choir.
“Piper has worked really hard to develop her vocal technique,” Mr. Powell said. “She has always had a great voice, but her technique has really improved and she’s able to sing in a more healthy way now. I’ve also watched her confidence grow a lot since freshman year.”
Students who make the chamber choir stay a part of it for the rest of their high school years. Next year, Lipscomb will continue her role in chamber choir and take on a new role as drum major in marching band. Lipscomb will conduct the marching show at the head of the field along with two other members.
‘I’m really looking forward to being drum major, auditioning for All-State in both band and choir and continuing to play and sing challenging, beautiful music,” Lipscomb said. “I am so grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained from this year, and I can’t wait for next year.”
