Farmer Focus: Senior Carlos Villatoro
“That tall person dancing on the field is me”
This week’s Farmer Focus is on senior Carlos Villatoro who is a color guard member for the marching band, and also a tuba player for the symphonic winds band.
SNAPSHOTS
Playing an instrument or dancing: Dancing
Bacon or sausage: Sausage
Music or movies: Movies with good music
Wi-Fi or food: Wi-Fi so I can order food
Looks or personality: Personality
ZOOMING IN
Q: What made you want to do color guard?
A: “I was already with the guard on the marching field and I just wanted to see what the heck it actually was, so I started with winter guard.”
Q: Would you do guard outside of high school?
A: “Yes, I plan on doing Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International.”
Q: What are your thoughts on this years guard work in the marching band show?
A: “This year we have a lot more elaborate choreography that forces us to become the show, and to give that pop of life which makes guard great. It also forces us to get involved with the music and expressing that with everything we do, and I’m still excited we get to spin lighting bolts.”
Q: Would you ever go back to marching tuba?
A: “No, it’s just boring now that I’m with guard. I also had a back injury last march so I can’t really carry all that weight on my shoulder. I like being able to say ‘Hey, yeah, that tall person dancing on the field is me.’ I like that attention.”
Q: Tell me a struggle that comes with being in guard?
A: “Long hours and long rehearsals. Frustration comes so quickly. You have to constantly be thinking when you’re performing, [and] constantly interact with everyone else around you in order to make everything flow smoothly. [You have to] be articulate with every single move of your hand, every jump, every toss. Nothing can be left to chance. Everything has to be drilled and redrilled because it’s usually changed…and usually as in always.”
Q: What’s it like being in the guard section versus being in the tuba section?
A: “Well I went from a group of all boys to all girls. So yes, there’s a lot of situations that are common when a group of girls are together that I just distance myself from. I’m like ‘Oh my gosh, I’m just going to spin in the corner while they deal with whatever that is.’ I do miss my tuba’s, but I can’t really spin a sousaphone.”
Q: Being your last year, what advice would you have for anyone wanting to join guard or band in general?
A: “Joining band is tricky especially if you don’t have that middle school foundation, but it’s something that can be accomplished if you work hard. Join guard. The program gets overlooked so much, but it’s a beautiful performance art. Picking up the basics is tedious but it’s nice, and honestly that goes for anything you want to do. Surround yourself with good people that support you and enjoy what you do. Especially if you’re paying for it.”
Q: What are you most excited about after high school?
A: “I’m so excited to leave Lewisville. I just want to get out of the metroplex, see what the world has to offer, and make a name for myself. Even if it’s a small name, [it’s] a name nontheless.”
Melissa Smart • Nov 15, 2014 at 5:30 AM
I met Carlos in the 6th grade at DeLay Middle School when he & my daughter became friends. In both 6th & 7th grades, they were awarded the top honor, Principals Award (one for boy & 1 for girl). Of course I took their picture together those 2 years. I’ve taken many more since then as well. Carlos is a wonderful young man. He’s grounded, he knows what hard work is & he doesn’t shy away from doing what needs to be done. He’s become part of our family, wether he likes it or not! I’m his “Other Mother”. I’m quick to tell him to not cuss so much on Twitter! I’m also the 1st one to get a hug, or else! He knows I love him just as he is now. I will love him no matter where he goes, who he goes with, what he becomes or doesn’t become. Ill be sad to see you leave Lewisville, but I know it’s something you have to do. So when you go, remember you’re not afraid of hard work. You may be a big star or an average guy, just be a kind & thoughtful one. Don’t forget that your Other Mother expects some form of communication on a monthly basis. Most importantly, remember that I love you!