Since freshman year, she knew she had to become a student leader for the band program. Finally, after achieving her biggest goal of becoming a Drum Major, the COVID pandemic hit. Now, senior Lia Kim looks back on how leading the band through quarantine has grown her relationship skills and prepared her for her future.

Her musical career started early when she picked up playing flute in third grade. In addition to moving up to the top band at CPHS, Kim was also one of the two sophomores placed on the leadership team in Spring 2018. Quickly moving through the ranks of the leadership team, senior year she finally was given the highest position as a Drum Major. 

“Being a Drum Major is such an honor,” Kim said. “At the same time, it was really scary to hold such a responsibility since COVID had just gotten serious when I was given the position.”

Kim was able to connect with the students through Zoom section parties and helped run an Instagram page with a few other leaders.

“We became the band’s Instagram team,” Kim said. “When COVID was at its peak; we used the page to build relationships with newer members and keep upperclassmen motivated.”

Although Kim doesn’t plan to have a career in music, she said that the leadership skills she’s built this year through the band program will help her in every facet of her future. 

“I think my communication skills were forced to grow this year,” Kim said. “Since we weren’t able to meet people organically through all the events we normally have as a band, I think I was forced out of my shell and learned how to become friends with anyone.”

Kim plans on majoring in Neuroscience at Rice University. Once all her schooling is done, she plans on pursuing a job within the medical research field.

“It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted my future job to be,” Kim said. “I’m planning on going towards the psychology side of neuroscience since I find the cognitive part of the career more interesting than just learning about neurons.”

Even though her main focus will be neuroscience, Kim still plans on joining the Rice band in her free time.

“Rice has a really good music program,” Kim said. “It wasn’t in my plans to continue playing the flute, but my roommate convinced me to and I’m so glad she did.”

Even with a bright future ahead of her, Kim says she will always be a Timberwolf at heart.

“Cedar Park will always be a special place to me,” Kim said. “I’m so excited to come back and visit the future bands since I know they’re set up so nicely for successful seasons to come.”