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By Michael Dobson

Being one of the two leaders of the Unicoi County High School marching band would bring a lot of pressure to the typical sophomore, but not Guillermo Mendoza, the first Hispanic to undertake this role.

“Music is basically my life,” Guillermo said, adding that it has been important to him ever since he came to America as a first-grader.
Unicoi County High School band director Brad Williams had much to say about one of his most memorable students.

“The first time I met Guillermo, I knew he was a leader,” said Williams. “He just gives off the sense that he always has control of his situation.”

Guillermo said music is the best way for him to separate himself from negativity.

“I used to play football, but there was no way I could man¬age to play football and be in the band,” he said. “Music was just more of a challenge and a relaxing part of my life. Music is something that I like and need.”

Williams recognized Guillermo’s abilities years ago.

“Guillermo started in this band when he was in the sixth grade, and I almost knew right away that he was a special student,” said Williams. “He was very musically smart, and a very hard worker.

“Following Guillermo’s ninth-grade year, the two drum majors had graduated and both positions as drum major and field conductor were open,” Williams said. “I knew he would be a good fit so I encouraged Guillermo to audition for one of the positions, and everything worked out.”

Perfection is a trait Guillermo searches for within himself, as well as his fellow band mates.

“Being in a band can be very difficult because there is so much that needs to be perfect,” said Guillermo. “I have to stay on my job and make sure I know the music to the core so the band can follow.

“I have to know the music perfectly so I can give them what they need perfectly,” he said. “This is very time-consuming. But at the end of the day, it is all worth it. Classes like chemistry take up time that wish I could use for the music.”

Family also plays a big part in Guillermo’s life. “His family is very supportive of him,” said Williams. “When he had to make the decision to play in the band or play football, or both, his family supported him. They knew that music was something he was very good in, but also knew if he wasn’t happy doing it, he wouldn’t try as hard.”

Guillermo is very apprecia¬tive of his family. “My mother, two brothers and my sister all supported me in my decision to stick with the band,” he said.

Band members also give Guillermo support. They nicknamed him “Gizmo” when he was in sixth grade, and it stuck. “He’s a good person,” said French horn player Cameron Edwards, a junior. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s good at what he does.”

Stacie Porter, the band’s 2007 drum major, said she would set the tempo for the band while Guillermo was on the field so band members could watch him.

“We work well together,” she said. “It was really fun working with him. He has a lot of really good ideas.”

_{Emily Elliott contributed to this report.}