As the final bell rings for the last time at Erie High School, the halls will be left with the echoes of familiar voices and the sounds of instruments that have shaped the memories of countless students. Among these students is senior Sydney Madaloni, a standout in both the band and choir programs. Her dedication, leadership, and love for music have earned her a place of respect among her peers and teachers alike. But Madaloni’s journey to this point wasn’t a straight line, but a path shaped by her passion for music and the support she received along the way.
Madaloni’s love for music began long before she became a fixture in the halls of Erie High. Reflecting on her early years, she recalled, “When I was in elementary school, we had specials at Black Rock, and I was definitely more drawn to music than any other special.” Music stood out to her as something she not only enjoyed but felt a deep connection to. This passion continued to grow, and by the time she reached middle school, Madaloni was determined to pursue music further.
“I joined the choir in fourth and fifth grade,” she said, “and then when I got to middle school, I was like, ‘I’m just going to play saxophone and see where it goes.’ And it went all the way. I haven’t looked back.” Her decision to play the saxophone was a pivotal one, leading her to explore new musical horizons and eventually join the school’s band, where she would thrive in ways she never expected.
Madaloni’s involvement in both choir and band isn’t just a high school phase; it’s a reflection of her deep-rooted love for all types of music. But what really set her apart was her ability to balance both musical disciplines while maintaining high performance in both. She credits her passion for music as the driving force behind this accomplishment. “Music has always been my fun thing,” she said, “I loved singing in the car, loved singing all the time, and every time I turned around, music was just my passion. It just happened.”
As Madaloni navigated her way through the world of music, she discovered a new role: drum major. The position, known for its combination of leadership and musical prowess, became the next logical step for someone with Madaloni’s natural talent and drive. “I first saw the drum majors when I was a freshman,” she recalled, “and I was like, ‘I want to be them.’ They had so much energy, and they were friends with everybody. I just loved the way they put themselves out there.” That inspiration led her to audition for the position after her freshman year. Though she didn’t secure the role at first, she didn’t let that setback deter her.
“I didn’t get it, which was fine because I was literally a freshman,” she explained. “But I asked the previous drum major what I could do differently, and they told me to keep trying.” Madaloni took this advice to heart and worked tirelessly to improve. By the time her sophomore year rolled around, she was named section leader and began to help lead the saxophones in sectionals. It wasn’t long before she gave drum major another shot, and this time, the outcome was different. “I got it, and I remember getting the email on my birthday. It was the best birthday present ever.”
Her journey to becoming a drum major was not just about skill and performance; it was also about leadership and personal growth. “Being a leader taught me a lot about working with people,” she reflected. “You don’t always get along with everyone, and that can be tough. But kindness goes a long way.” She also learned the importance of asking for help, a lesson she had to embrace as a drum major. “I thought I had to have all the answers, but I realized I don’t,” she said. “You need help sometimes, and asking for it is okay.”
For Madaloni, being a drum major was more than just a title—it was a responsibility. “As a drum major, I oversee sectionals, conduct the band during marching season, and help the band stay in time,” she said. “But one of the most important things is being there for the band members. If they need someone to talk to, or if they don’t feel comfortable going to a teacher, I want to be that person.”
One of the most impressive aspects of Madaloni’s high school experience is her ability to balance the rigorous demands of both choir and band, along with her academic responsibilities. “Sometimes it gets really tough,” she admitted. “Burnout is real.” But despite the challenges, Madaloni has always managed to juggle her multiple commitments. She was involved in two audition choirs, CR5 and 5130, as well as three audition bands, including jazz band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble. “The teachers are really good about balancing things out,” she explained. “They help make sure that nothing overlaps too much. And honestly, it doesn’t feel draining because music is what I love to do.”
Her love for music shines bright during football season when she has to juggle both band and choir, but nothing stops her when her determination is so noticable. “I’ll sing the national anthem with the choir and then run over to the band for the game. It’s busy, but it’s so much fun. It doesn’t feel like work to me,” she said.
The sheer variety of musical activities she participates in speaks to Madaloni’s versatility as a musician, but it also highlights her deep commitment to music. “Music is my stress reliever,” she said, “Even when it’s exhausting, it’s never something I want to give up.”
Throughout her journey in music, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering support of her peers. Sydney has formed strong bonds with her fellow musicians, and the friendships she has cultivated over the years have been invaluable. Ava Bonner, a fellow drum major, speaks highly of Madaloni’s leadership and friendship. “Sydney is one of my best friends,” Bonner said. “She’s supportive of everything I do, and she’s super fun to be around. She’s always making everyone laugh, and she really gets to know each person in the band.”
Bonner describes Sydney’s leadership style as compassionate and lighthearted. “She’s very fun-loving,” she explained. “She’s the one who jokes around the most, but she’s also super compassionate. She gets to know everyone personally, which makes her such an amazing leader.”
For Madaloni, the bond she shares with her fellow musicians is what makes the experience so rewarding. “The band is like my family,” she said. “It’s where I belong. And even though I’ll be moving on to college next year, I know that I’ll always carry that family with me.”
As Madaloni approaches graduation, she is already looking ahead to the next chapter in her life. She plans to attend the University of Wyoming to study music education and become a music teacher. “At first, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, but then I realized that teaching music and mentoring others was what I really wanted to do,” she said. “Being a drum major really helped me discover that. I want to be able to inspire kids the way my teachers inspired me.”
In addition to her studies, Madaloni is excited to continue her musical journey by participating in the university’s marching band. “I’m registered for the band at Wyoming,” she explained enthusiastically. “I can’t wait to keep playing.”
But even with the promise of new experiences ahead, Madaloni knows she’ll miss the tight-knit community at Erie High. “I’m really going to miss the family aspect of band,” she said. “It’s going to be hard to leave, but I’m excited for what’s next.”
As she prepares to leave Erie High, her legacy is already clear. Madaloni has been a role model, a mentor, and a friend to countless students in both the band and choir. Through her leadership as drum major and her commitment to her craft, she has shown her peers what it means to be passionate, dedicated, and kind.
Madaloni’s advice to incoming freshmen is simple but powerful: “If music is your passion, stay with it,” she said. “You’ll have tough days, but don’t let anything take away what you love. And find your people. Those people will become your lifeline.”
For Sydney Madaloni, the future is full of possibilities, but one thing is certain—her love for music and the community she’s helped build at Erie High will stay with her forever.
