Warrenton High School Senior Trent McDaniel has a fairly loaded schedule. Along with two band classes, McDaniel is taking five college-level classes either online or at the school.

“It is pretty tough to keep up with. It’s hard to balance,” McDaniel commented. “On our fridge at our house, I have a schedule of what assignment is due when.”

McDaniel has his sights set on becoming a band director once he finishes school. He’s had a passion for music since joining band in sixth grade, playing tenor saxophone. During this year’s marching band season, McDaniel served as a drum major.

“I had a lot of fun doing it, and it was a crazy year with COVID,” he commented. “I had to learn a bunch of new percussion instruments to help teach others.”

McDaniels’ other activities include participating on the track and cross country teams until his junior year, as well as a current project to earn eagle rank in his Boy Scout troop.

Q: What makes you passionate about music?

“Anyone can understand it, anyone can relate to it. Band, for me, has opened up a whole other passion, and I want to help other kids have that same passion. ... It’s just a medium that anyone can relate to and use.”

Q: Are any classes a big challenge for you?

“Astronomy, for sure. You think astronomy, and you’re just like ‘Oh, stars and planets,’ but there are so many things going on. ... I do well with math, but just memorizing all these things gets tough.”

Q: Have any teachers been important mentors for you?

“My band director, Mr. (Thomas) Speers, and Mr. (Michael) Shaw and Ms. (Jennifer) Bulger. They are role models of what I want to be.

“Ms. Bulger came in three years ago, and she has the perfect balance of relating to you as an individual and maintaining a teacher relationship. Mr. Speers is inspirational because he’s in charge of 130 kids every day ... and he manages to teach us all something new every day. With Shaw ... if you want to learn, and you want to progress yourself, he’s 100-percent there for it.”

Q: What motivates you to take these high-level classes and be involved?

“It’s because of my teachers, probably, pushing me to do better things. And my mom’s a counselor at the high school, and she’s very adamant about pushing me.

Q: Do you ever regret taking on all these courses?

“Sometimes I get my assignments for the week and I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh...’ But I’m going into college as a sophomore, so it’s going to be a year off college and it’s going to pay off.”

Q: Where are you attending college?

“I’m going to St. Charles Community College first because of A+, free college. Then I’m either thinking UMSL or Lindenwood.”

Q: Any advice for younger students?

“Find what you’re interested in and stick with that. There’s no point taking a bunch of classes that you’re not going to like.”

Favorite food: Orange chicken

Favorite movie: “Tron Legacy”

Favorite show: “Naruto”

Favorite musical artist: Saint Motel

Favorite destination: Chicago