Paul Farris

What instrument do you play?

I have been playing the trombone since 2012 and I’ve loved it ever since I picked it up.

Why did you choose to play your instrument?
There wasn't really a special meaning for me choosing the trombone. However, if I could think of one, I would think playing with the slide up and down really sealed the deal for me as it made a funny noise.

What is your role on the band?
I am a drum major in the inaugural UTRGV Marching Band, which is like being a captain on a football team. With this title, I'm in charge of being a role model to not just my fellow band members but to people that look up to us and aspire to one day join us.

How does it feel to be part of the inaugural marching band at UTRGV?

For me, it felt awesome being able to march again on a football field. After graduating in 2020, I thought that I would never march again. However, UTRGV provided me an opportunity to put on a show again and since I joined, I never looked back.

What drove you to try out for UTRGV Marching Band?
In high school, marching band was what I looked forward to every day. It was marching band in the morning and marching band practice in the afternoon, so it was all that I ever loved to do and was ever good at, to be honest. So, trying out for the UTRGV Marching Band was an easy decision.

What does being a part of this band mean to you?

Being part of this band instills a sense of pride in me because when we all get geared up and we all put on our uniform - on the very front right of it on top of our heart is the UTRGV logo. So, whenever we have an opportunity to represent the school, we love it’s always a big deal, not just for me, but my fellow band members.

What are you most looking forward to while performing in the band?
I look forward mostly to the crowds that we get at different performances and I’m looking forward to the start of the season playing, not just for us, but for the entire community that shows up to these sporting events.

What is something about marching band that most people may not know?
Something that most people don't know is that the number of hours and time that we put into our show. All our students are busy not just with school but with work, and we still grind it out and put on an amazing show onto the field.

What advice do you have for fellow band students pursuing their degrees?

The advice I would say to my peers would be to instill the dedication that we have during our marching season into everyday life and personal careers. Always push, never give up.

What do you hope to achieve after graduating from UTRGV?

I hope to become a board-certified anesthesiologist in the future, and I hope to continue playing music. Maybe not professionally, but recreationally because at the end of the day it's still a diehard passion of mine.