Senior goodbye: Riden Kingston

Riden Kingston

Dear Archbishop Carroll,

These past few years in high school have been a great experience. I’ve grown a lot as a person and as a musician. Band has definitely been one of my favorite parts of Carroll. It helped me meet many people and it’s challenged my saxophone playing. I’ve learned many different styles of music and have broadened my range. 

My advice to underclassmen would be to try and get involved as much as you can. Joining band or any type of club or sport is a great way to get more involved with the Carroll community and meet lots of new people. All the band events and school shows have helped me become more comfortable with myself and the people around me. One of my favorite band memories was the seventh grade visitation day earlier this year. We played for all the seventh graders in the auditorium and I think it’s one of the best we’ve ever sounded. 

Performing at concerts has helped me overcome fear. I don’t get as nervous to perform as I used to. Now it just feels the same as if I was just practicing by myself. Back in freshman year I was really shy but over the past four years I’ve become a lot more confident and better at meeting new people. These skills I’ve learned here would help me to get through college and any careers I’ll have in the future.

Thank you,

Riden Kingston