![On Monday, June 10, the annual Underclassmen Awards ceremony took place inside of WHSs auditorium.
I think that these awards bring motivation to [WHS] students to preform well academically, Sophomore Rufat Hasanov said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_0474-1200x800.jpg)
![The Wayland residents who volunteer to coach baseball try to make the environment fun and uplifting for players. “[I try] to build the kids up,” Co-Commissioner and coach for a Minors team Alex Ahmed said. “If someone strikes out, you encourage them, [and] say that [they] get another chance, [or they] could try again next time.”](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/unnamed-1200x801.png)
From as long as he can remember, junior Elliot Xu has expressed his passion for music by singing, playing the drums, cello and piano. Xu’s devotion to improving his skills and pursuing his interest has only grown during high school, where he is a part of the a capella group, the T-Tones and the school orchestra.
“I took singing seriously last year, which was when I started private lessons,” Xu said. “I used to sing more casually because I had originally focused on other musical stuff, like other instruments that I play.”
Xu is one of the directors of the T-Tones. The T-Tones acquired more singers this year after tryouts, one of them being junior John Chausse.
“Elliot is a great director,” Chausse said. “He is always making sure the group is organized and is really good at arranging songs as well. I definitely think he is a great addition to the T-Tones.”
Xu has always found music to be one of his passions. He has sang at school events, church and extracurriculars. Xu tries to find ways to incorporate music into his life. Once Xu heard about a cappella from previous directors, his interest was sparked.
“I like [a capella] because it brings a group together and [creates] a bond between the team,” Xu said. “I also like the teachers and it is just fun to perform and step out of your normal box. [Overall], it’s a good way to showcase your talents.”
Xu’s favorite form of music is either singing or playing the drums. Xu has also been playing the piano and the cello for 10 years.
“My favorite part about playing the drums is that I am with [other] people,” Xu said. “There will be one person playing the keys, one person is playing the guitar, and we just all come together like a band.”
Xu is interested in continuing his music career post high school, so he has been looking into applying to music based and affiliated schools.
“I haven’t fully decided exactly what I am going to do after high school, but I am leaning towards singing and songwriting,” Xu said. “In terms of what genre, I am thinking about maybe in the pop-acoustic, contemporary-gospel genre. That is what I am most interested in.”
