While most students were going through the hustle and bustle of getting back into the mindset of school, some were already in full-school mode. Freshman Ethan Wells is one of these admirable few who participates in sports and performing arts throughout the school year.
With Wells being engaged in soccer and marching band during the beginning of school he had to juggle both for most of the first semester. There was never a dull moment for him.
“I really love soccer and I love marching band and I wanted to do both,” Wells said “ But I really didn’t have time for anything else.”
What made things more manageable for him was his two older siblings that are also in the marching band. Celeste and Selah Wells helped him manage juggling two major commitments at once.
“I would give him rides when he needed them but, I really just helped remind him of when he needed to be at the field or band room,” Selah said.
Ethan is appreciative of how much his sisters helped him during the first semester, they managed him to get used to high school and the responsibilities that come with it.
“It’s pretty cool because they can drive me to school and they helped me get used to[high school] real quick,” Wells said.
Wells is surrounded by many musicians. His dad, Greg Wells, is the band director at the high school. He is inspired to do jazz by his cousin and Northview alumnus, Elijah Cosby, who is attending Western Michigan University to major in music. Along with his Grandpa, Dave Wells, who was the band director at Crossroads before Mr. Lago.
“My cousin, Elijah, is my biggest influence because he is doing Jazz and going to Western Michigan University for jazz and I really look up to him and I want to do what he is doing,” Wells said.
Junior marcher Ronnie Robinson is also a part of the jazz band and could see Wells’s potential. Robinson talked about Wells’ skills that he saw as a marcher and jazz player.
“He is a fast learner and is able to excel in either of those topics. I think he’s fantastic at jazz band and marching band,” Robinson said.
Compared to other freshman marchers, Wells has a better understanding of what is being asked of him on the marching field.
“He is a lot more well-rounded he knows what he is doing and knows how to ask for help,” Robinson said.
During the soccer season, Wells is well respected as a teammate. Despite his lack of height, he brings a lot to the team. Freshman Judson Skudre thinks Wells is a good teammate and leader.
“He’s a great player. He tries his best and he is one of the smarter guys on the team,” Skudre said.
In jazz band, Wells is playing and learning how to play the drums. His fellow jazz band members are impressed with his contributions to the ensemble.
“He blends with the set and the band, and has real good articulation,” Robinson said.
Wells is very appreciative of the jazz band atmosphere. He feels accepted by all of the members of the band and enjoys playing with them. He encourages anyone who wants to do jazz or marching band to try it out.
“It is fun, everyone is your friend, they’re all really cool and it’s like a family,” said Wells.
