Dawson Loomis is a sophomore with many hobbies, including music and tennis. What sets him apart is the number of instruments he plays.
“I play alto sax, baritone ax, soprano sax, guitar, piano, clarinet and trumpet,” Loomis said.
Many will be shocked to learn that this is not Loomis’ only pastime. He plays tennis while simultaneously standing out in the classroom. Sophomore Henry Pell has known Loomis since fifth grade.
“I met him at an event at Westlane Middle School,” Pell said. “He was sitting in the bleachers before me, and our older brothers were friends.”
So many hobbies can be challenging to pursue. Fortunately, Loomis executes it.
“As a student-athlete and musician, he keeps As and Bs in all his honors classes,” Pell said. “He has a balanced life.”
Matthew Riley doubles as a coach and teacher for Loomis. Academically, Loomis makes an astounding impact in the classroom.
“I think if there were more kids that put in the effort that Dawson does, teaching would be a straightforward job,” Riley said.
Riley agrees that Loomis’s work ethic is excellent in the classroom but even better on the court.
“Dawson works hard,” Riley said. “He’s a gifted athlete. On the tennis court, he tries hard, and he’s an awesome player.”
Loomis has performed exceptionally well this past season as a crucial member of the JV team. He has the potential to further his contributions in the upcoming season.
“I think that he understands that he has an opportunity to be a solid varsity athlete and that he could be one of the best if he puts in the work,” Riley said.
Loomis has developed a more personal connection to the sport through his family. Although his career started more recently, the sport has been in his family for a long time.
“Ever since I started playing tennis for a team, my family has tried to make it a goal to get together and play sometimes,” Loomis said.
It’s become a family tradition to play when they have the time.
Even though tennis is a large part of Loomis’ life, he is unsure if he wants to continue with it in college and would rather continue with music.
“I probably wouldn’t pick a school based on the tennis program,” Loomis said. “I’d pick it more based on the music program or my major.”
Music is a passion that Loomis plans to make a lifelong hobby. He’d like to pursue it outside of college, no matter what instrument.
“I will probably continue to play guitar for the rest of my life,” Loomis said. “I’d like to continue playing saxophone, but after college, I feel it would be hard to play that instrument alone. I would have to find a band or a group of people to play with.”
Tennis isn’t entirely out of the question. While focused on music, he still has tennis in his mind.
“Tennis is kind of a lifelong sport,” Loomis said. “You can play it well into your later years. And If I could, I’d probably play in college.”
Loomis also plays a significant role in jazz ensembles. Andrew Brinkman, a band teacher at NC, notes his progress and continuing desire to learn.
“He’s our lead alto player in the jazz ensemble, and he’s also in the wind ensemble,” Brinkman said. “He is taking weekly private lessons with a sax teacher where he’s getting some excellent instruction that also challenges him to play saxophone.”
His character and musical talents are interlinked as he excels in both areas.
“He’s a hard worker, and he’s very focused, but at the same time, like he’s, he’s got a good relationship with it’s positive with all the students around him,” Brinkman said. “He is a real great team player. He comes to class prepared and is just a good guy to have around,”
Loomis’s progression in music does not go unnoticed. Ever since he started in sixth grade, Cheri Brightman, his private music lesson teacher, has seen him grow.
“Dawson’s an outstanding sax player, and he’s come a long way from that clarinet squeaky stage,” Brightman said. “He’s the first chair in a jazz band, and he’s moving up,”
Overall, Loomis is a multitude of things: athlete, scholar, and talented musician. Loomis is a great student to know at NC.
