Arts Student of the Week-Sreya Karumanchi

Thanks to the pandemic and restrictions on school activities, Sreya Karumanchi's year as a junior drum major for the Niwot Marching Band was a bit of a let-down. But dealing with the challenges from the 2020 season also taught her some valuable lessons in leadership that have helped her senior year get off to a great start.

"It made me understand the importance of flexibility and long-term growth," the longtime clarinet player said. "I knew that this year would be difficult, just because of the year off and because we have a bunch of new marchers. So that forced me to make several decisions that I don't think I would have had to make, so all of these new band members could learn everything. It was a challenge, but it was so rewarding to see that the different methods and challenges resonated with them."

Karumanchi's adept leadership stands out to Niwot band director Wade Hendricks, who called the senior "self-motivated," and a "terrific selection" for drum major.

"Sreya is one of those students to whom leadership comes fairly naturally," he said, adding that she was inspired by another clarinetist and drum major, Morgan Chen, a 2020 graduate. "Currently, I see some underclassmen eyes' watching Sreya carefully, using her as motivation to ascend the band leadership ladder, continuing the circle of leadership."

In addition to marching band, Karumanchi also plays in Niwot's concert band and concert orchestra, when needed. This year, she is also planning to join the pit crew for the school's theater department, where she will hopefully get a chance to play one of her favorite genres.

"A good lyrical piece always makes me get into it, and I will practice it for so long and not even realize that time is flying by."

The senior also runs Niwot's Heartbeat Club, which stages musical performances in nursing and assisted living facilities.

After graduation, Karumanchi plans to attend college and to study chemistry or pre-medicine, in preparation for a medical career. But that doesn't mean she plans to give up the clarinet.

"I can't imagine quitting music," she said. "I would love to minor or possibly do marching band during college. But I do know whatever I end up doing, music is definitely going to be part of my college career."