West Holmes’ Yoder relishes learning language of music

Most high school students would be excited to learn how to perfect the art of playing one instrument.

Emily Yoder figured to go for broke.

The West Holmes High School senior has taken up playing four instruments in a variety of West Holmes music programs, and her talent has paved the way for what should be an interesting summer.

Yoder has picked up the art of playing the tuba, euphonium (plays one set of notes above the tuba), the alto saxophone and baritone saxophone, which she has played in her time with the West Holmes marching band and concert and jazz bands.

“I think music teaches patience,” Yoder said. “I used to be the most impatient kid ever, but I hate failing at things, and what music does in your brain is teaches you to power through things so you don’t quit. It’s given me the most amazing outlook on powering through things in so many aspects of life. I’ve learned critical thinking through music. It’s basically another language.”

After a successful career in the WHHS band program, Yoder will spend her summer working with the state’s top high school band performers as a member of the Ohio State Fair Band, as well as dive into another big project, that being participating in Buckeye Girls State.

Buckeye Girls State is a weeklong program designed to educate Ohio’s young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of developing good citizenship. By spending time with other like-minded civic-minded young women, BGS delegates learn a great deal about city, county and state government, an opportunity to spread their wings and develop leadership skills.

“It’s a mock government event where you can take on roles of a variety of government positions,” Yoder said. “I’m excited for the opportunity and looking forward to connecting with a lot of different challenges.”

Yoder said she has taken a lot of government classes including a college government class. She also was a WHHS member of Ohio Model United Nations this past year, getting a wider view of global government processes.

That experience, along with her top-notch grades, paved the way for an invitation to Buckeye Girls State, where she interviewed and was accepted to attend.

“The interview process was a little nerve-wracking, but I’ve interviewed quite a bit, so it wasn’t too overwhelming because I’m very used to public speaking,” Yoder said.

As for her passion for music, Yoder said she was talking with her older cousin Taylor Hendershott when she was in middle school, who told her that if she joined band, she wouldn’t have to take a gym credit class.

“Sign me up,” Yoder said. “I was all in for band, and that’s how I got my start, and I just fell in love with it, and it’s been a big part of my life ever since. It’s odd how I started out taking band to get out of something and it turned into my biggest passion.”

She said experiencing the variety that comes with music is fun and loves tackling the challenges that accompany learning a variety of pieces.

Yoder is eager to join a multitude of similarly talented and passionate individuals from all over Ohio.

She said the pressure will be on, having to learn 70 songs in four days, so there will be plenty of room to grow, and there are other benefits.

West Holmes band teacher Steve Butcher said Yoder is an ideal student who has dedicated herself to her craft in many ways.

“She’s awesome. Pretty much anything we need her on, she’ll jump in and play, and she’s always willing to learn something new,” Butcher said. “Teaching kids who are eager to learn is the best. What more could you ask for than a kid who wants to be there and wants to learn it all?”

Butcher said Yoder has shown leadership skills and has become a strong leader in the band.

While still exploring college possibilities, Yoder said the leading candidate right now is Bowling Green State University or perhaps Ashland or Ohio University. She plans to eventually dive into music education at one of those choices.