When your dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa were all professional musicians, there is no question that musical talent is in your genes. As a fourth-generation musician, senior Julia Drob has been an integral part of Ramapo’s arts scene and is ready to inspire the next generation of young performers. Julia shares that she grew up inspired by those around her, as most family members played musical instruments, and gatherings always ended with a jam session!
As for Ramapo’s musical groups, Julia has been part of the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and the marching band. Throughout the past three years with the Jazz Band, she has amazed audiences at Jazz night performances and gigs at the Crossroads Jazz Club, rising to be the lead alto saxophone player in her junior and senior year. Julia has also played the alto saxophone and clarinet in the Symphonic Band and the alto and soprano saxophone for the Wind Ensemble!
Ramapo’s choir director, Mrs. Reitter, shares that whether it is by marking her music or asking a good question, Julia has always been dedicated to improving her skills. She explains, “Music has been a part of her life for so long that much of her ability comes so naturally, but she’s also a very committed student and makes the most of every minute of rehearsal.”
When asked about marching band, Julia describes it as “the most significant thing in my high school career.” As a member, Woodwind Captain, and Drum Major, she has learned how to be cohesive amongst a large group of people and a strong leader. Nevertheless, there were still many challenges to overcome, especially her first year as the Drum Major. Julia quickly went from never having a leadership position to fully running the band. She explains, “It was very hard for me to get over the fear of speaking in front of the band and getting out of the impostor syndrome that I was feeling, but the marching band was really encouraging.” she continues, “[they] helped me find my voice and my knack for leading.” Over the years, she has won numerous awards, such as Best Sophomore Musician for marching band and the Instrumentalist Magazine Merit Award. In the most recent Music Awards Dinner, Julia also received the Choral Director’s Award, the Ethel F. Wilcox Award for Band, and the National School Marching Band Award! Julia confidently says that she hasn’t looked back since she joined, shaping her into the person she is today.
Another area where Julia has undoubtedly left her mark is Ramapo’s drama club, Gold Masque. Over the course of four years and seven Gold Masque productions, Julia has been both backstage and onstage. From being head paint artist and run crew in Peter and the Starcatcher to playing Thetis in Xanadu, she truly does it all! Her dedication to Gold Masque is also shown through her rise to leadership positions in the club; through acting as the historian her sophomore year, the secretary her junior year, and the president her senior year, she has absolutely taken the club to a new level. Julia’s favorite part of acting is the exhilaration of playing a character who is completely different than herself; she explains, “It is so much fun to be able to embody a character that has the exact opposite personality as you or that is so over the top or dramatic.” For Julia, acting is both incredibly freeing and vulnerable— something that is evident to audience members the moment she walks onto the stage.
Outside of school, Julia enjoys expressing her artistic side through painting, coloring, crocheting, and embroidery. Additionally, you can often find her diving into a good fantasy or classic novel! Senior Lucy Balaam is one of Julia’s close friends and shares, “Julia is such a force and one of the funniest, kindest, most modest people I’ve ever met. She does everything under the sun and manages to put 100% into all of it, including her friendships.” Lucy continues, “She’s inspired me to always try, and if something doesn’t work out, we’ll manage to get a laugh out of it anyway. I am so proud to call her my friend.”
Next fall, Julia will be studying music education at the University of Delaware! She looks forward to one day becoming a music teacher and eventually becoming a conductor for a professional ensemble. Seeing seniors graduate is always bittersweet; while students start the next chapter of their lives, many feel the absence of our best talent. Mrs. Reitter explains, “I’m having a hard time picturing the Ramapo Choir without Julia and the rest of our choir seniors, but I’m also SO excited for Julia to study music at the University of Delaware, which is also my alma mater,” she continues to state, “Her education there will impact future generations of musicians.” We send Julia off with our warmest wishes and the best of luck in her future endeavors. We thank you for all the hard work and talent you have brought to Po!
