Everybody hears the extraordinary talent of North Point’s drum line on Friday nights, but one drummer in particular has caught some attention. Tony Teleky (’14), an active member of North Point’s music department, has been recognized for being selected to play in the Army All-American high school marching band.  What is it? This exclusive marching band is made up of one hundred and twenty five members, and performs at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January. The bowl is a football game that features the top senior football players and musicians from all over the nation. Students lucky enough to be selected, earn not only an all-expense paid trip to San Antonio, TX, but get to enjoy an experience of a lifetime . Teleky (’14) will be representing Maryland in San Antonio next year.

Teleky (’14) has been playing various instruments since the age of eight.  “I started Piano when I was eight,” says Teleky “and I also played violin for a year.”  He started drumming in seventh grade and can also play several percussion instruments including the Timpani, drum set. He practices every day and depending on his homework load, he practices as much as three hours a day.

Nominated by Mr. Vandyke, the band and orchestra director, Teleky (’14) was notified of his nomination into the All- American Army Band in December of last year. “I had to make three videos for an audition as well as fill out and application and send in my report card.” says Teleky (’14). “It was an amazing feeling to be accepted. I knew there were lots of great players who had auditioned, so I wasn’t expecting it.”

After high school Teleky (’14) plans to attend college for engineering but is hoping to be a part of the Marching Band and a Jazz band as well. His favorite aspect of performing is making the music as perfect as possible and playing it for a stadium or auditorium. He is looking forward to meeting many other talented musicians such as himself in January.

He advises anyone who wants to become a member of a band such as the All-American army band or any other ensemble to become really good on their instrument and keep fighting yourself to get better at everything you do. “To quote Winston Churchill, never, never give up.”