Chisum High School senior Evan Martin was recently selected to perform in the All-State Band for the second, consecutive year, calling it a huge milestone, where he was also selected and performed as first chair in the trumpet section.
“It gives me even more confidence in my playing, especially considering this year was in person,” Marin said, referencing how 2021’s performance was delivered through recording. “I was scared that (being selected in 2021) was a fluke. That was not the case, however, as I ended up getting first at region, second at area and first chair at State.
Martin has played the trumpet since he was in the sixth grade. He said he never thought to see himself playing a horn.
“I thought I might have been a piano man,” Martin said. “But the previous assistant band director, Mrs. Cheryl Townsdin, told me as I walked into band class that I looked like a trumpet player. She’s a sweetheart. I am certain that she was saying that just because the band needed more trumpets, but here we are.”
In this short video, Chisum High School Evan Martin performs two solos in Tribute by Travis J. Cross.
During the CHS Band’s marching show, Martin said he played the flugelhorn in addition to trumpet, switching between roles while marching.
“Other than that,” Martin said, “my time is consumed by trumpet selections. I am lead trumpet in our jazz band, and I am currently part of a trumpet trio, sextet ensemble, and solo for UIL competition, in addition to all the practices I have had for all-state band.”
Martin said the person who was and has been most influential to his musical side is John Marsh, Chisum High School’s Band Director.
“He pushes me to be a better trumpet player,” he said.
Martin plans to attend Northwestern State University, pursuing a degree in Music Education.
“My ultimate goal is to become a band director,” Martin said. “ Music means so much to me and it gives this feeling that not many other things do. The ability to share that with others is my main purpose of becoming a director.”
Martin said he hopes to share his love of music with future high school students.
“I hope that by sharing my love of music with those kids, I can inspire my own future students with the drive and desire to go to state in whatever art they love – whether it be band, choir, or multimedia artwork, whatever inspires them,” Martin added. “I plan to work hard and be the best me I can be.”
Talking about artwork in other fields, Martin said he found out this previous weekend (Feb. 12) his ceramic piece is going to state for VASE. His piece, Toto Moto, will be featured in this year’s Annual National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition in Sacramento, California from March 15 to March 18.
“So, as you can tell, this has been a pretty amazing year,” he said.
Martin has worked diligently to maintain a 4.0 GPA while he also participated in Beta, Key Club, Art Club, FFA, One Act Play, Texas Scholar, UIL, Yearbook, National Society of High School Scholars, Lamar County Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassador and Phi Theta Kappa at PJC.
In band, Martin participated in the 2019 all-region solo and ensemble, Area Solo in 2020, All-Area Solo for 2021, All-State Solo 2021 and ’22 Band Leadership team, Section leader, TAMUC Junior/Senior Honor Band 2021, NSU Honor Band 2021, Four States Band 2021, and “was honored with the title of Band Beau for this year.”
“Senior year is a hectic time for all of us,” Martin said. “I am fortunate to enjoy multiple opportunities and I deeply appreciate all the love and support I continually receive from a school district and family support system that is behind me every step of the way.
“I have even received compliments from people who have never met me. What an amazing year, and a phenomenal journey!”
Martin is the son of James and Sandi Martin. His older brother is 20-year-old Lee Martin.
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