There are people that have an influence on each of our lives. It could be a family member or close friend, a celebrity, or even a celebrity. But in the case of Karson Sanderson, the people he looks up to the most are those that have the same interest as he does.

Sanderson plays the trumpet and other brass instruments that are similar to it. He has played for about eight years and says that he has two trumpet players that he looks up to.

“The main role model in my life is Wayne Bergeron,” he said. “He is a professional trumpet player who plays lead trumpet for Disney movies. My trumpet instructor, Evan Neal has had a huge influence on me. He has helped me so much and he is the reason that I am the musician I am today.”

Karson is a senior at Enid High School, where he is a member of the marching band. He also plays lead trumpet in the school jazz band. He also plays with Choir and Orchestra any chance that he gets. Sanderson has worked hard to get where he is today and says that he could not have done it alone.

“It has taken a lot of dedication and effort for me to be able to play the way I do today,” he said. “But most of all, I could not have gotten here by myself. It took a lot of encouragement from my friends and family to help me along the way.”

Another person that has played a big role in Karson’s growth and development is Robert Anderson, the EHS band director. 

“He has toughened me up as a person and as a musician,” Karson said. “I used to think he was wearing me down to a stump, but now as I look back, he’s sharpening me into a blade.”

Over the years, Sanderson has made some great memories with the bands he plays with, but he says that getting to know his fellow band members better is the best part.”

“My favorite part is the bonds and friendships I have developed with students and faculty,” he said. “I also love the adrenaline rush I get after a successful run-through of the halftime show.”