The Next Generation of Musicians
Camden Chrudimsky – Notre Dame Academy Band
Name: Camden Chrudimsky
School: Notre Dame Academy
Area of Interest: Band
Parents: Casey Chrudimsky, Heather Graves
Notre Dame Academy (NDA) incoming senior Camden Chrudimsky began playing the trombone in the fifth grade through the St. John the Baptist school band program.
“I had always had an interest in band, and we had several trombones leftover from when my dad played in high school and college,” he said. “Thus, when I went to pick an instrument, I chose the trombone.”
Chrudimsky said he enjoys the camaraderie and mentality of working together that band provides him.
“In most of middle and high school, you are constantly competing with others and working toward your own separate goals,” he said. “With band, you are all working toward the same thing, in this case, the music and marching. It really shows what people can do when they work together, and the friendships you make along the way are invaluable.”
Branching out in high school, Chrudimsky also learned how to play the tuba, which he plays when marching at NDA.
He took his love of all things marching band-related one step further, joining the Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band during the summer and fall months – something he’s done for the past two years.
As an honorary member of the Pulaski band, Chrudimsky has the opportunity to participate in all the marching band’s summer parades, as well as march in its field shows during the fall football season.
“My favorite performance I have done was this summer with the Red Raider Marching Band, performing in the 75th Winona Steamboat Days parade,” he said. “I really enjoyed the energy of the crowd and being able to travel a longer distance than normal for a parade.”
With NDA, Chrudimsky said he had a blast visiting Memphis and St. Louis through school band trips over the last few years, as well as participating in several jazz and solo & ensemble festivals.
Chrudimsky said it is his hope to perform in a collegiate marching band after high school and potentially in a brass band after college.
What six words would you say describe you best? Dedicated, efficient, loyal, helpful, careful and trustworthy.
What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve received? Whatever you do in life, you have got to want it.
Where do you hope to one day visit? Billund, Denmark.
What advice would you give to other students thinking of starting with band? Band is easy to join, but when you really commit yourself to it and strive to improve, that’s where the gratification and true value comes from. You don’t have to be the best, just realize you can always improve. The result will not disappoint you.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? Teleportation.
What are your plans for after high school? I plan to pursue a degree in engineering.
What is your favorite class and why? Chemistry – I enjoy learning how things work on a molecular level and utilizing math in a practical context.
Are you a Green Bay Packers fan? Yes.
Who is your biggest role model? My parents.
Favorites:
TV Show: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Local restaurant: China Palace
Candy: Sour Patch Kids
Season: Winter
Ice cream flavor: Blue Moon
Book: Live in Infamy by Caroline Tung Richmond