Junior Dominic Schneider is in the school band and this year he made Nationals for playing tuba. Dominic will play in the All-National Honor Concert Band. They meet at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas from Nov. 10-13.

“Since I’m doing so well in tuba it makes me feel better about myself,” Dominic said.

Dominic has played only one instrument, but over the years he has gotten better and better at it. To get here, he first had to make District and then State band. After that, he sent in an audition tape of himself playing for judges to listen to. Now his exceptional performances have earned him national recognition.

“I’ve worked hard at what I’m doing,” Dominic said. “It’s cool to get recognition for it.”

Dominic puts in hours of work in practice and outside of school. Like how athletes practice off the field or off the court, he takes private lessons to better his skills. He also plays tuba in the school’s marching band, and he recently earned fifth place out of 29 bands at Ste. Genevieve on Oct. 22.

“If you commit to something you care about, then you’ll almost always succeed,” Dominic said.

With Nationals coming up, Dominic plans on practicing diligently so he can have a shot at placing first chair. First chair is the best someone can do and that’s what he is shooting for. When put in the spotlight some people will get full of themselves, but not Dominic. In fact, he’s the exact opposite, according to his friends.

“He’s very modest and humble, he puts in the work and it pays off for him,” senior Sean Rhomberg said.

Dominic plans on taking his musical career further than high school. He wants to continue to play in college and even minor in music education. He plans on trying out for the band at whichever university he decides on. He will do this by continuing to work hard and improve himself. In the meantime, he plans to do well at Nationals by trying not to get nervous and keeping himself focused on what’s important.

“I’m really proud of Dom and what he’s been able to accomplish,” Dominic’s father Mark Schneider said.

His father has always encouraged him to reach farther and do his best at whatever he chooses to do. With Nationals coming up, he still cheers his son on and hopes to see him succeed.

“If I stay focused and work hard, I’m confident I’ll make first chair,” Dominic said.