Megan Von Dreau just completed her 21st year teaching music to 5th and 6th grade students at Eubanks Intermediate School in Southlake, TX. She received degrees in percussion performance from the University of Colorado and the University of Oklahoma. “Music has given me the opportunity to travel all over the place. I have been to Europe, Japan and all over the United States performing in concert bands, marching bands, drum corps, steel bands, percussion ensembles, bagpipe bands, wind ensembles, and orchestras.”
What do you love most about percussion?
Being a percussionist is pretty much the best. I am drawn to the art of logistics. Figuring out where to put this thing so that I can hit that thing before I run over and strike one of those things is a satisfying puzzle to solve. I love that I get to routinely play different instruments. I love knowing I am potentially the loudest thing in the room, but I also love playing beautiful delicate melodies. I love the responsibility of being the only person covering a part and I love it when that part intertwines with everything around me, allowing me to be a part of something bigger than myself.
Do you have a favorite experience playing with Lone Star?
I love the relationships I have built with the people I perform with. There are four of us in the percussion section that have been here since the very beginning of Lone Star and another that only missed out on the first few years. These people feel like home. My favorite tradition in Lone Star is hugging Barry after every performance. Watch for it, we will be the folks in the back with silly grins on our faces.
What do you like to do outside of playing music?
Outside of music I enjoy working with my hands. I have always enjoyed creating and fixing, knitting, and sewing, crafts with the kids, and working around the house. I recently discovered that I was getting old, so I took up Taekwondo alongside my youngest daughter. It’s pretty comical, but I am having a great time.
The Lone Star Wind Orchestra is comprised of professional wind, brass, and percussion musicians throughout North Texas and beyond. All players are equally essential to the success of the LSWO.