The Student Spotlight Organization Proudly Presents… Joshua Curby

This week, the Student Spotlight illuminates Pitman High’s very own, Joshua Curby! The junior on campus has his hands quite full. When he is not juggling between the near impossibility of comprehending Calculus and constantly caring for his family, Joshua spends all of his time with one of the most highly respected groups on campus, the Pitman Marching Band. Joshua was kind enough to answer a few questions, even though the dual instrument player was in the midst of practicing. Here’s how it went:

Anjali: “Thank you so much for meeting with me today, Joshua. I promise to get right to the point. I understand you are highly involved in the Pitman Band. What instrument do you play?”

Joshua: “I play both the tuba and the trumpet. I started playing the tuba in the sixth grade and the trumpet the summer going into seventh grade.”

Anjali: “If you had to pick between the two, tuba or trumpet, which would you say was your favorite?”

Joshua: After some hesitation… “I do like the tuba more, even though the trumpet gets cooler parts. You just gotta stick with the main one.”

A: “This isn’t awkward for you, is it?” Upon receiving a curt nod of the head and a slight smile, we continued. “What is your favorite thing about band and why?”

J: “My favorite thing is probably playing cool music with all my friends. Everyone is pretty nice and welcoming… so it’s just fun. There is a good environment.”

A: “Is there anything that, if you could, you would change about band?”

J: A quizzical look appeared on his face, as if the thought had never crossed his mind. “Umm… I mean.. Nothing serious. I wish we could have more time to play. Nothing major.”

A: “So Joshua, the school is buzzing about the upcoming band review. Can you explain what a band review is?”

J: “Yeah, so a band review, this one is going to be marching only. So we have a bunch of bands from all over the area come and play while marching. A panel of judges will judge them for a bunch of things. Their scores are then tallied and then there is an awards ceremony at the end for the top places in different aspects.”

A: “Are you performing in this year’s review?”

J: “Yes we are, in exhibition.”

A: “How do you feel about participating. Excited? Nervous?’

J: “I am excited; I’m nervous. It’s a big honor to be able to host a band review. There are a lot of people who have been working on this so it’s exciting.”

A: “Okay Joshua, last question of the day. Do you have any musical influences?”

J: At this question Joshua broke out into a grin. “I would have to say my band director, Mr. Modesto. He has this philosophy that he tells us: ‘The second we step out of the band room we’re performing.’ So that makes us have to be serious at all times because we never know who’s listening, who’s watching, and that makes us perform at a higher level.”

The interview was supposed to end there; however, the awe I felt at Joshua’s perfectly crafted answer got me thinking: who is the man who serves as a musical inspiration to band expert Joshua Curby?

With the wonderful sounds of tubas, trumpets, and clarinets playing in the background, I was able to score a brief interview with the man behind the scenes, the genius that is the heart and soul of the band, Mr. Modesto, prior to the start of class.

The band room is very welcoming, however given Mr. Modesto’s celebrity status, the interview proved to be a difficult task.

Before even starting, Mr. Modesto’s office was filled with students navigating their way around. In the middle of the questionnaire, a knock was heard, even more students were eager to enter the office for a quick word with Mr. Modesto. Feeling I had taken up enough of his time, the questions were cut very short, but luckily, the answers given were liquid gold, for all the information given about Joshua.

Anjali: “Thank you for meeting with me today, Mr. Modesto. I have a quick question for you. Joshua insists that you are his musical influence. What do you think of that?”

Mr. Modesto: His initial response consisted some silence coated in confusion. “Wow…. Honestly yes, I do feel honored. Joshua did not start in Turlock Unified, this is his second year, so I’m a little surprised, but definitely humbled and honored by it.”

Anjali: “Can you tell me what you think of Joshua, as a student?”

Mr. Modesto: “Josh is an excellent student. He comes to class prepared. He is an excellent musician. He’s great to work with, real easy to work with.”

Anjali: “Thank you so much for talking to me today, Mr. Modesto.”

Mr. Modesto: He gave a slight laugh clearly showing his humbleness. “Thank you.”

Joshua Curby is one of many amazing students that attend Pitman High School. His love for band and incredible talent have been noticed by his teacher and many of his peers. The Student Spotlight is absolutely honored to meet Joshua Curby.