By Heather White
Copy Editor

Every day, senior Rachel Jones dedicates the majority of her time to the music department of Neshaminy High School. She visits at least two times a day, playing the French horn in Wind Ensemble and the cello in her Symphony Orchestra class. Jones also plays the mellophone in the Neshaminy Marching Band, in addition to being a part of the school musical pit, Brass Ensemble, and PMEA Festivals.

As if those were not enough programs to be a part of, Jones is also a member of two out-of-school programs: the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County and the Philadephia Sinfonia.

“I love music, and when you love something you jump head first and go all in,” Jones said, “That’s how I’ve always wanted it to be. I like staying busy and always playing, hearing, or experiencing music.”

Jones’ older sister was a part of the music program at Neshaminy, which gave her the idea that it was a fun and exciting program that she did not want to pass up. In addition to being inspired by her family, Jones surrounds herself with musicians as best friends that drive her to do better and give her lots of support.

“Rachel is an unbelievably talented musician who is always willing to improve herself as well as help others improve. Nothing is musically beyond her reach,” senior Ben Vogel, Jones’ close friend and classmate, said.

This past October, Jones flew to Nashville, Tenn. for a four-day trip to perform with the National Concert Band. The National Concert Band is one of four talented groups that make up the National Association for Music Education Honors Ensembles. Over 3000 students across the country auditioned to be a part of the ensembles, with only about 160 being accepted to each group.

“Rachel Jones is a very talented French horn player and an enthusiastic member of the NHS Instrumental Music Program.  She is one of the finest student musicians that I have had the pleasure of working with during my 26 years at NHS.  She has contributed much to our various NHS ensembles over the past four years and has distinguished herself in a variety of honors ensembles outside of NHS including BCMEA and PMEA Music Festivals,” Michael Lipton, the Instrumental Music Director at Neshaminy said.

The most interesting part of Jones’s story is how she first chose the instrument that took her to Tennessee.

“In fourth grade when they introduced band instruments, they said French horn was really hard to play and, being the stubborn kid I was, I wanted to prove them wrong, and I think I have!” Jones said.