Waking up early in the morning to a glamorous outfit well organized and selected the
day prior, putting on her white pearled necklace as she checks to make sure her flute is cased
and ready to go is Senior Abigail Gomez. Her passion for music and love of fashion create a bold, personal statement of identity. She credits both for keeping her true to her authentic self.
Originally, her intention going into middle school was to join theater, but auditions
terrified her which prevented her from ever joining. Thanks to her family and their immense
amount of support and encouragement she decided to play an instrument which led her to
pursuing band instead choosing the flute as her instrument.
“I ended up joining band last minute before 6th grade so the only options left were flute
and clarinet. I picked the flute because it was lighter than the clarinet and I have loved it since,”
Gomez said.
Rain is pouring down. Everyone is running around in hopes of saving and protecting the
band equipment, instruments and speakers from the storm. People’s clothes got heavier
and everyone’s laughter got louder and uncontrollable. If Gomez never joined band she would have never been able to experience this tragic rehearsal and call it her favorite memory.
“I love the rain and seeing everyone work together to protect the instrument
and electronics was so cool,” Gomez said. “It was also so funny to see everyone drenched in
rain when we got inside of the band hall.”
At the front of the field, where every movement sets the tone, this drum major commanded attention with more than just a steady baton. Balancing precision and creativity, she lead the band with confidence while expressing a deep passion for music through the flute.
During her junior year, she was given the opportunity of becoming a drum major leading
and directing her fellow band members her senior year. She spent months learning different
techniques, styles and gained leadership experiences which left her feeling accomplished
knowing all of her hard work and dedication paid off.
“Standing on the ladder and conducting the band for marching season was an amazing
honor,” Gomez said “Seeing all their hard work during the summer come together and
improving from the year prior was amazing to see.”
Music has played a big role in Gomez’s life, it is ingrained itself into her life.
“I can’t imagine not playing, it also brings me so much joy when I succeed and
excitement to learn things I never knew before. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” Gomez said.
So much so that she is wanting to pursue music as a career and one day become a
professional musician. Holding onto big dreams to one day meet Jasmine Choi, one of the best
modern flautists, in hopes to attend her masterclass at Indiana University, to compose
a fully orchestrated piece, or even make soundtracks for movies and video games.
“I would be so honored if one day I could be part of the soundtrack for big movie
productions or video games,” Gomez said.
After high school, Gomez is planning to attend Lone Star College and hopefully transfer
to an out of state university or even out of the country to continue her pursuit for music.
As much as music has impacted her life, so has fashion in many ways. Taking
inspiration from animes like Nana, Death Note, Sailor Moon and designer Robert Wun who she
admires due to their otherworldly designs and deep meaning behind every piece.
“I loved and still love to copy styles I see in anime and manga which started my
obsession,” Gomez said.
Gomez first started getting into fashion in 6th grade when she received iridescent boots.
This is when she began to style outfits with any cute boots she had and started to experiment
with her sense of style. Gomez continues to experiment with her style and has gained
confidence when it comes to expressing herself freely and maintaining comfortability in
her own body.
“I believe in only wearing what makes you feel comfortable and confident that day, as
long as it represents you,” Gomez said.
She continues to flourish and never stops herself from expressing who she is through
her outfits. Going to conventions and experimenting different cosplay ideas with friends has
become an outlet for her to freely be herself and be around people who are also
unapologetically themselves; it’s even led her to model for a Sanrio event in Downtown Houston
surrounded by nothing but supportive and fashionable people.
“My best advice would be to enjoy every moment and work hard because I blinked and
marching season was over but the memories last forever. Stay true to yourself. It’s all about
making yourself feel happy and confident, do not pay attention to what anyone says,” Gomez
said.
