Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the parents, fans, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The CAA Tournament is taking place this weekend in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from DC with an interview of Campbell band members Anna Miller/Matt Olive about majoring in music education and their predictions for today’s game vs. Delaware.
You are both from North Carolina: what made you choose Campbell? ANNA: I am a big family person with 2 young siblings so I really wanted to be close to home. MATT: Music is really important to me and during COVID I was impressed that the Campbell band modified its approach rather than act like most schools and shut everything down.
You are both majoring in music education (Anna is focusing on the French Horn): why did you choose that subject? ANNA: I started playing the trumpet in 6th grade and the French Horn in 7th grade. I originally majored in physical therapy…but I hated it. Fortunately, I was minoring in music so after making it my major it was easy to get into the swing of things. MATT: In high school I had a lot of opportunities to lead/teach my peers, which was my “a-ha” moment, and I have not looked back ever since.
You play the mellophone: what the heck is that, and what is your favorite song to play? ANNA: It is like a bigger trumpet with a lower pitch and has a punchier sound. I like to play “Holiday” by Green Day and “Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)” by The Offspring.
You play the drums: when did you 1st start playing the drums, and what is your favorite song to play? MATT: I started in church, and through trial and error I eventually figured it out. I like to play any song by Twenty One Pilots because of their drummer Josh Dun.
You are the incoming Drum Major for this fall: what was your reaction when you got the good news? ANNA: I knew that it would probably be me, as I work heavily with our band director Dr. Phillips, but I was still very excited to get it.
You are the graduating Drum Major: what has that role entailed? MATT: I conduct the band, teach band camp, and pass along all our traditions. We offer opportunities for rising high school students including “Rally Day” when they get to join our band for the day.
What is the post-graduation plan? ANNA: I am a junior and hope to be a middle school band director and eventually help lead a high school marching band. MATT: I am a senior and would like to teach elementary music for a couple of years, then head to grad school, then become a high school band director.
What can you tell me about your hobbies? ANNA: I enjoy reading so if I had to share a book recommendation I would say that my favorite series is “The Hunger Games”. There is a new book in the series that is coming out soon and I am very excited that my mother pre-ordered it for me! MATT: I enjoy composing music and have even arranged some tunes that the Sound of the Sandhills Basketball Pep Band plays. My biggest project has been “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts. I had to decide which parts are the most important and what instrument they are best suited for, then complete a piano sketch and turn it into a band score.
What has been the highlight of your season so far: the 7-game winning streak, Senior Night, other? ANNA: Senior Night was really exciting, but also sad. The reason I will never forget it is that 2 of our other percussionists got engaged that night! MATT: We are known for playing well but also for being a bit rowdy. Our women’s team has been great this year, especially at home (12-2!), so I feel that we serve as their home-court advantage.
How does your school decide who gets to go to DC, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? ANNA: You have to be respectful/responsible. Our band director wants to bring good students who are also energetic. MATT: We have to sound good, be well-balanced, and look good in terms of the quality that we carry ourselves with in DC. A professor once told me that the 3 keys are to be talented, easy to work with, and reliable. This actually feels very similar to playing at home so we will bring the same energy that we always do.
Does your band have anything extra-special planned for this week? ANNA: I am hoping that we win, as that would give us the chance to visit a couple more monuments in DC. If we lose today then at least we will get to do some shopping at the Potomac Mills Mall on the way home. MATT: I am a big foodie so I am glad that we will get to enjoy new varieties of food…pending a victory.
Any predictions for your game on Saturday vs. Delaware? ANNA: It will be a close game, but I do not want to jinx it by picking a winner! MATT: I respect Coach Kevin McGeehan and know that he will put some inspiration into our players: fortunately we have been a good 2nd half team all year.
