The Hollister Legacy
Jett Carries On The Musical Brilliance
By: Katie Christensen
Growing up, most young kids go through a phase where they beat on pots and pans with wooden spoons to make “music” their parents love listening to. For senior Jett Hollister, this foray into percussion wasn’t just a phase. In fact, Hollister, with the support of his dad, has been playing since he was tiny, but he didn’t take drumming seriously until 5th grade.
“Being in the band has been a good experience for me because it’s allowed me to practice something I enjoy every day,” said Hollister. “I like getting to perform the things we’ve worked hard on.”
Hollister's father, also a drummer, played a huge role in his long-running passion for music.
Mike Hollister, Jett's father, states, “I used to put his car seat in front of me when I played to try to get rhyme engrained in his soul.”
It seems to have worked. The drums have surrounded Hollister since he was a baby and has developed his skills throughout the years both in the school band and in rock bands.
“My biggest influence to stay in the band has been my dad. He was actually in a band, and it’s kinda cool to share this common interest with him,” said Hollister.
Hollister joined the DT band with the rest of his classmates in 5th grade, and he has continued to rock the drums for the past 8. Over the years he’s mastered everything from the cymbal to the quads and the timpani to the trap set. While the band had several directors during Hollister’s time in the band, his dad volunteered his time to help both Jett and the rest of the percussionists master their skills.
“I love helping Jett with band because it is nice to see my kids love something I love too,” Mike notes, “It's been cool seeing Jett improving over the years. I've seen him go from a tiny kid who loved the drums to being involved in a high school band and seeing how much he enjoys it.”
Mrs. Amy Schneider, the DT band director, sees Hollister's great talent and values his leadership skills.
“Jett is a huge influence in our band,” said Schneider. “He is such an asset and a very talented kid,” said Schneider. “He doesn’t say much but all of his actions are so powerful”.
While Hollister is set to graduate in May, he plans to continue making music for the rest of his life.
Hollister notes, “I will probably continue to play the trap set, just to keep it up. It’s just cool.”