When Henry Molhoek was in fourth grade, his older brother brought home his trombone and played the “Star Wars” theme song. “I instantly lit up and was like, I need to do that when I’m in high school,” Molhoek said. Now a senior, Molhoek is an accomplished trombone player who participates in a variety of local and school bands, practicing for around 20 hours a week. His commitment has earned him the chance to visit Australia this August to play trombone.

This past fall, Molhoek was a drum major in the Edina High School Marching Band. Molhoek explained that he conducted and coordinated with directors to aid various sections by teaching skills for marching. “It’s definitely interesting at first, and it’s kind of hard to get over the fact you’re [leading] people that are a similar age [as] you. But, as time goes on, it feels more like you’re helping create a group that is better as a whole,” Molhoek said. 

In addition, Molhoek participates in Jazz 1, EHS’s top jazz band. According to Concert Band and Jazz 1 director Paul Kile, Molhoek is able to perform every piece with ease. “Henry is probably one of our more accomplished improvisers. [He is] able to take many of the solos [and perform them] well,” he said.

Kile has seen Molhoek develop his craft over the years and respects Molhoek’s versatility and motivation as a trombone player. “It’s certainly one part inspiring and another part satisfying. To identify him as a strong player, and watch him continue to grow [has] always been fun,” Kile said. “He is also a really good leader, one who leads by example.”

Molhoek is an avid member of No Limits Brass Choir, a locally run, brass only band. “I think it’s a lot of fun, the music we play is certainly classical music, but it’s stuff you will recognize. Last cycle, in the winter, we played ‘Messiah’ by Handel. We’re playing a piece called ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ right now,” Molhoek said. 

Recently, Molhoek was nominated to audition for the Honors Performance Series program, an organization that provides talented musicians the opportunity to play at iconic venues. After being accepted, he was offered the choice to perform this summer at either Carnegie Hall or the Sydney Opera House. “I decided to audition for the group that plays in Sydney because I kind of wanted to go international…I [also] thought that would be a cooler trip,” Molhoek said. “I’m very excited; it’s my last year to try this and it’s a great opportunity.”

Molhoek expressed that there are numerous aspects that drive him to play the trombone. “Some of the big ones are self-motivation [and] striving to get better as a musician, but then also wanting to benefit the groups that I play for by being the best player that I can possibly be,” he said.

After graduating high school, Molhoek plans to further hone his skills by playing in college. “I don’t think I’m gonna major in music, but it could be a minor for me,” he said. No matter his decision, Molhoek and his supporters know that the trombone will continue to play a part in his life. “If Henry wants to play in the future, he has got the skills to do it,” Kile said. “He could play in a concert band. He could play in an orchestra. He could play in a jazz band. He could just have a ball.” 

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on April 20.