Aiden Miller-Riesterer
Green Bay West High School
Parents: Bradley Riesterer and Katrina Miller-Riesterer
Area of Interest: Band
When did you first get involved in band? What got you interested?
I first got involved in band in 5th grade. Someone came into our class to show us the different instruments we could play. I thought, “it’s my last year in elementary school. Let’s try something new.” So I tried out all of the instruments. I immediately loved buzzing my lips to play music. I thought it was really fun. Also, I wanted to choose the biggest instrument because I’m tall and wanted an instrument to match my height.
What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
I play a little of the piano, guitar, trumpet and drums. But, my main instrument is the trombone. I chose the trombone because it matched my height in 5th grade. I also loved buzzing my lips. It felt weird on my lips, but a good weird. I thought it was fun to go down the halls buzzing my lips.
What has been your favorite experience in band so far?
My favorite experience in band has been all of the friends I’ve made because of it. Most of my friends I have now are in some sort of musical group. Whether it’s band, orchestra, choir or just in the musical or play. All of the music groups respect each other and have the same kind of mindsets. That’s why people in music get along so well.
What’s something you hope to do/accomplish as a musician in the future?
I hope to be able to be part of a professional marching band, and be part of a Drum Corps International (DCI) competition. I went to see a DCI competition in LaCrosse and I was immediately hooked. I was especially intrigued by the Cavaliers. Most of their band was out because of COVID-19. They did a park and bark performance, but they still sounded just as good and loud as the other marching bands. I hope to be a part of the Cavaliers one day.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into band?
I would tell them to stick with band. It may seem hard at first, but it’s a lot of fun. The people in band make the experience a lot more fun as well. You make so many friends when you join a music group. And the good thing about those people is that they never let you down. They protect and help you when you need protection or help. Band helps you have a group that is there for you for everything.
What six words would you use to describe yourself?
Funny, talented, considerate, compassionate, hard-working and smart.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m really good at picking things up really fast. I can learn the basics of things really fast as well.
What subject do you enjoy most in school?
I don’t have one favorite subject — I have a few. I enjoy math, science and band. I love using my brain to work with numbers and chemical things. I love hands-on learning, like chemistry. I love to sing, dance and listen to music. Band helps me make the music instead.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I don’t like messiness. I like my things to be in order.
Where do you hope to travel one day?
I hope to travel all throughout Europe. Europe has so many amazing countries, like England, France, Italy, Germany and so many more. I want to travel through all of the countries in Europe to find out what’s different between all of them, and what’s the same about all of them.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Always try new things. Even when you’re afraid to do them. If you don’t live your life to the fullest, you’ll never be happy.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my mom. She went to the college she wanted to go to and finished all four years. She then got the job she wanted — to become a teacher. And she loves her job. She also got her master’s degree. She’s done everything that I want to do in my life — go to the college I want, get a job I love and get a master’s degree.
What plans do you have for after you’ve finished school?
I want to go to MIT to major in technological engineering. I love doing hands-on learning, and being some sort of technological engineer will help me learn like this everyday.
If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would you choose?
I would choose Trombone Shorty. Every single time he’s playing his trombone on-stage, he looks like he’s having the time of his life. He plays for fun. I want to be able to do that for one day. I want to be able to leave all my worries behind and just play my trombone.
Do you have any pets?
I have one dog. Her name is Izzy. She’s a pit bull mix. She has a lot of different dogs mixed with her, but the most prominent is pit bull.
What’s one skill you think everyone should have?
I think everyone should be able to look at somebody in need and help them in any way they can. If you can’t do that, you’re not human. Humans need love to live. We need to love people in need in order to get love ourselves.
Are you a Green Bay Packers fan?
No. I don’t really watch football. But if I had to choose a team that I like, I like the Atlanta Falcons.
FAVORITES
Book: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Show: The DC Shows
Color: Green
Season: Autumn
Time of day: Evening
Local restaurant: Glass Nickel Pizza
Snack: Trail Mix
Candy: Hershey’s Chocolate
Each week, City Pages highlights a local student who is involved in arts and entertainment at their school and/or in their community.
Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue.
Email Janelle Fisher at [email protected] with any questions.