Sophomore awarded “Best in Class” at AISD orchestra competition

Sophia Tello, Staff Writer

Sophomore Max Scofield, has been selected as “Best in Class” at the Austin Independent School District Solo and Ensemble for Double Bass Class One solos. “Best in Class” is awarded to each instrument in each classification of solos. The solos are graded by difficulty on a scale of one to three, one being the least difficult and three being the most.

Scofield practices only fifteen minutes a day, outside of his band class, but has invested years as a bassist. He was first introduced to the bass when a jazz band performed came to play for his fifth grade class.

“After [seeing that first performance in fifth grade], I went to an orchestra recruiter where I played the bass for the first time,” said Scofield. “I then started taking lessons at the beginning of my seventh grade year to help me prepare for region orchestra”

Playing a solo for an audience can be a very nerve-wracking experience, but Scofield has learned what works best for him to succeed.

“Whenever I am playing for an audience I just put on a business face and do what is necessary.”  Scofield said. “If I try to use emotions in the song, the tempo goes all crazy and I crash and burn.”

The bass is a unique instrument that can be played in many different styles of music meaning a bassist has freedom of genre.

“The bass is a bridge between so many genres of music,” Scofield says, “it makes it such a fun instrument to play because there are so many styles you can learn.”

Scofield is in two orchestra classes this school year alone, which means that a total of 270 minutes of practice every week are required. That also means he became very familiar with orchestra director David Chisum.

“Mr. Chisum is a spectacular orchestra director,” said Scofield. “My exposure to him has greatly improved my understanding of the way that an orchestra would function in college or in a professional career.”

Reflecting on his years of experience playing the bass, Scofield has been able to learn from his mistakes and grow as a musician.

“I would tell beginners that the best way to improve is to get the most practice by finding a reason to practice,” said Scofield. “Find someone to steal a chair from, a competition to win, something to practice for and don’t stop until you’re proud [of what you’ve accomplished].”