Matt Green, a senior at Kennett High School, is a trumpet player, who recently played at the grand re-opening of the North Conway Music Center. (ALEC KERR PHOTO)Matt Green, a senior at Kennett High School, is a trumpet player that plays in jazz band at the high school, is part of the Mineral Springs Brass Ensemble and has performed at the All New England Jazz Band and Chorus Festival. He recently performed at the grand re-opening of the North Conway Music Center, where he hopes to be more involved.

When did you first get into playing the trumpet?

I think I started playing the trumpet in the fourth grade. The guys from the rental company came down and showed us a bunch of different instruments. The trumpet just really stood out at me as something I really wanted to do.

What drew you to music in the first place?

I was never really into listening to music before then, but then when I did see those guys play and brought all different kinds of music and all different kinds of instruments that really just drew me into it.

What specifically about the trumpet appeals to you?

When I first saw it, it was really small, but it was still very loud and you could always hear it above everything else. It was really kind of the center of attention and I was kind of like that.

Who are some of your influences as you've explored the instrument?

As far as trumpet goes, I do love listening to Miles Davis. Also, believe it or not, Charlie Parker, who plays the saxophone. I just love listening to him and just some of his influences and some of things he's done.

What was your first public performance?

The first public performance was probably the Louis Fuchs concert back in fourth grade.

How did feel being on stage for the first time?

I was pretty nervous, to be honest, just as a little kid getting up there with a bunch of other little kids made it a little bit better, but it was kind of scary seeing all the lights.

How has your performance level increased over the years?

I started out taking group lessons at the elementary school and now I take private lessons. Throughout that I've explored more into chamber music and I auditioned for all state this year. I also play in the jazz band at the high school. I've just spread out through the different genres of music and the different difficulties you can play at. I've done a few festivals like the All New England Jazz Band and Chorus Festival this year and so that was a lot of fun.

What do you like to play the most?

I really like playing the classic stuff, especially baroque period music. It is really fun, but there are a lot of intricacies to it that are hard to capture unless you really read the music and look at it.

Do you have any interest in composing your own music?

I do actually. I started taking the songwriting class at the high school where we use a music writing program to actually compose our own works and so far I've really enjoyed it. It's really just opened up a new area for me to explore.

Do you hope to explore music throughout the rest of your life?

I do actually. I've picked up a few instruments here and there, but not really trained in anything but trumpet. I really hope that I continue doing it throughout at least college, if not majoring in music, minoring in music.

What do you hope to study in college?

For a while I've been thinking about musical theory actually and continuing on with what I know here and hopefully get even better.

In an ideal world, if you could have any job, any position, anywhere, what would you want to do?

I think being a college music professor would be a lot of fun, particularly [something] llke a jazz band director.

Have you formed any bands in your life or would you want to form a band?

I haven't formed any bands and not really sure I would want to form my own band. That's a lot more responsibility, I suppose, than the average freelance guy would want I think.

Would you have any interest in being a session musician and performing on other people's compositions?

Yeah, actually I have looked into that. I think just sitting down in a studio and playing with someone who can really write a good song and can explain to you exactly what they want or maybe just let you do your own thing with it, I think that would be really neat.

Do you feel most comfortable being in large ensembles or do you have more comfort as a solo performer?

The Mineral Springs Brass Ensemble that I play with, there really is only one or two people on each part, so it is really exposed. I think that's my favorite [group] to play in.

So, being part of an ensemble, but getting those moments to solo basically?

Right.

Do you have any general thoughts about music and why you like to perform?

I just like to get in front of people and make a room feel good. It doesn't necessarily have to be a thunderous applause at the end of it, but just as long as I can go up there and say "Hey, I'm Matt Green and I like to play trumpet" and then have the audience enjoy that too, that is just something really special.

BANGOR, Maine —  Harold Sheehan, a resident of Lovell, has been named to the high honors list for the fall semester at New England School of Communications.

ANDOVER, Mass. — Liam G. Fortin of Silver Lake, a member of the Class of 2014, has been named to the honor roll at Phillips Academy for the winter term. To be named to the honor roll, students must maintain at least a 5-point grade average on a
6-point scale.

Jesse Biggio, a junior at Kennett High School, is an actress and singer, who can currently be seen in the Kennett High School Drama Club's production of "Bye, Bye Birdie." (ALEC KERR PHOTO)Jesse Biggio, a junior at Kennett High School, is an actress and singer who has appeared in M&D Productions' "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday." She recently auditioned for "American Idol" and can currently be seen in the Kennett High School Drama Club's production of "Bye, Bye Birdie."

When did you first start singing?

I've been singing my whole life basically, but I guess I didn't realize it was something I wanted to do until seventh grade.

What was your first public performance?

Seventh grade, I believe so. Yeah because I did the talent show at the school.

What did you perform?

I did "Don't Stop Believing."

What did it feel like the first time you performed live.

It was exciting. I mean I was nervous plus all my friends were watching me, but I enjoyed it.