In tune: Sophomore Matthew Raubuck hits all the right notes

“A regular one-man band” is the perfect description of sophomore Matthew Raubuck.

However, it is difficult for him to hold and play all 15 instruments at the same time. There’s the French horn. And the piano and guitar … just to name a few.

As a young second grader, Raubuck’s friend asked him to play bass guitar in his band. He had no musical experience, but that didn’t stop him from the dawn of a new passion. “I agreed then learned how to play from there,” he explained. Then just one year later, he played trumpet in a jazz band. Raubuck’s affection for music was founded, and from 3rd grade on, he continued to learn many new instruments. 

“I can play any brass instrument because once I learned a few, I could take those skills to other brass instruments, so it’s basically endless,” said Raubuck.

For motivation, Raubuck looks to himself. “When I get a solo in a show or a concert, it motivates me to get better at the instrument I’m soloing on,” he said. For inspiration, he looks at his accomplishments. “I recently made it into All State Honor choir and that showed that I can do big things when I put my mind to it,” he said. 

But sometimes, even Raubuck is unmotivated and uninspired by his music. 

“It’s like hitting a brick wall,” said Raubuck, “[when] the next jump I have to take is really hard.” No matter how hard his imaginary brick wall hurts, he knows that he must persist through it, be patient, and realize that he can do anything he puts his mind to. “Patience is key,” said Raubuck. “I didn’t learn anything in just one day, it took a lot of time.” He added that to master anything, one needs patience. 

Even when he’s not the one playing, Raubuck continues to surround himself with music. “I just love music,” said Raubuck. “I listen to it constantly and when I hear something I like, I want to learn how to play it.” 

For Raubuck, it comes naturally to balance music with the rest of his life. While he’s focused on other aspects of his life, it can be in the background, playing softly. “I always listen to music or practice files for choir and band while I’m studying,” he said.. Music is also good for when he tries to keep his mind off of certain matters. It can be the focal point, playing loudly at the center of his attention. But no matter the occasion, Raubuck explained that it is important to have time management and keep music balanced with school. After high school, Raubuck will still need to keep the balance as a music education major in college. 

\tAnd after college, he plans to go back to high school --  as a teacher this time. “Music is a universal language,” said Raubuck. “Anyone can understand a piece of music, no matter where they’re from, how they grew up or the experiences they’ve been through.”

Story by Maddie Faulkenberg