Music is a huge part of life for Wright City High School senior Matthew Freund, so much so that he spends hours each day learning and practicing in every music program the school can offer.

Freund has been playing music since sixth grade, first starting on French horn before expanding to perform with the trumpet as well. He has been honored as an all-conference musician four years in a row — three of those as first chair for his instrument — and received an honorable mention in district-level performance last year.

Along with three hours of band classes every day, Freund is also enrolled in AP government, marketing, English 4, and a team sports class in his senior year.

He plans to attend college at the University of Iowa, where he will study music composition.

Q: What makes you so interested in pursuing music as a career?
“I really like music in pop culture, like movies. That’s why I’m going to get composition degree, to maybe score movies one day. I think that would be the coolest job ever.”

Q: What do personally enjoy about music?
“I definitely fell in love with it because of the program here ... the sense of family and community that we’re able to have. (The teachers) all really care about the students, and that makes it a lot easier to enjoy the class and find a passion.
“And I’ve always found it pretty enjoyable to play. You feel like you accomplished something, just making music.”

Q: What are your plans for career opportunities?
“A lot of work nowadays is freelance. A lot of composers end up setting up their own business, their own website, and they either find clients or clients find them. There are also companies and individuals that do movie work. ... There are ways to break into that industry with short film festivals and getting your name out there.”

Q: What is good advice you’ve received for pursuing music?
“One of the things (former band teacher) Bill Schaffer always said was ... everyone has different stuff going on, everyone is ‘trying’ to work to the next level. ... At some point, you just have to buckle down and do it. I’ve started to really apply that.”

Q: Has anyone else been a big influence on you?
“Mr. (Ryan) Heyel, the jazz band teacher. I’ve only had him for a semester, but he’s probably one of the most influential teachers I’ve had in music, just discovering the style of jazz. He’s really tried to show different styles and different opportunities in performing, and really opened doors. And I have an audition for scholarships this Friday, and he’s been helping me with all my audition material.”

Q: Other than music, what’s your best school subject?
“Math. It’s just always made sense to me.”

Q: Are you involved in any other activities?
“Soccer. That was a huge part of my senior year. ... I consider all the guys I played with family, and coach (Josh) Albregts is a great influence.”

Q: Are you nervous or anxious to move away for college?
“It’s definitely anxious, but I think it’s more excitement. I’m pretty comfortable changing my environment.”

Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: “Good Will Hunting”
Favorite band: Lawrence
Favorite destination: Cozumel, Mexico