Transcript: Travis Phillips on Music, Discipline, and the Drive to Be the Best

Good morning, and welcome back to Late Start Show. For our first student interview of the year, we are here with senior Peter House Prefect and esteemed double bass player Travis Phillips. How are you, Travis? I'm doing pretty good.

I'm really happy to be on the show. Oh, it's great to have you on the show. You know, so when did you first come to U.S., and what made you choose U.S. in the first place? So I came to U.S. in first grade.

I don't really remember what made me choose it. It was a really long time ago, but I came from, like, the Montessori School of University Heights, so just kind of where I went to kindergarten. I don't know. Why did your parents, do you think, want you at U.S.?

I think definitely the education. It's, like, one of the best schools in Ohio, like, all the way throughout high school, so definitely the education part. And then also the relationship you have with, like, your teachers. Like, the ratio of student to teachers is really nice so that all the teachers can really get to know each other.

I think that's what they wanted. You know, kind of going back to your lower school and middle school years, were you already involved in kind of as many things like kind of sports and orchestra back then, or did all these activities kind of ramp up later? I'd say I was probably, like, always kind of taking on this workload when I was younger. I was definitely in more advanced math classes, like, starting from, like, first grade on.

And then also I was always doing music. I started when I was five years old, so it's kind of always been that way. It's always been a thing, taking classes at the music school settlement and then later taking classes at CIM. And then also with sports, I really mostly did basketball.

Football was, like, a later thing, and that was a whole argument with my mom because she was really scared of me, like, getting hurt. But, yeah. And going back to your middle school days, I know you probably don't remember your very first day, obviously, was first grade, but do you have any early memories that you're still fond of to this day? I would say probably playing on the playground.

Like, the playground at the lower school has always been a very fond memory of mine. I'm definitely making a lot of friends in that class. Like, I can still remember a lot of people who were in my first grade class that I'm still friends with today. They just upgraded that playground.

Yeah. You know, how was that transition? Like, I mean, let's go out and go to that middle school to high school transition. I mean, we're at two different campuses, so was moving to the high school a really big adjustment for you?

I mean, I feel like for a lot of people it would be, but I don't know. But for me, it was kind of, eh. Like, I don't know. My older brother went here, so I got to be at the upper school a lot anyway.

And also coming up for different events, like Founders Day, obviously. I was kind of already used to the upper school and how it looked like. So it wasn't too big of a difference. It was definitely a little bit daunting just being with, like, a bunch of upperclassmen.

Like, the seniors, I was definitely a little bit intimidated. But playing football definitely helped, like, build a relationship with those seniors, so I was a little less scared. So I definitely had a pretty smooth transition into high school. Did you ever share experiences like Founders Day with your brother?

Um, I, yeah, I did. Like, we were on the same team for a few of the Founders Day, like, at the lower school. I mean, we're in that same house, so I'm going to see him a lot anyway. But he left when he was in 10th grade to go to Ignatius, so I don't know.

I didn't really get to see him much when I was at high school. You know, what's been your kind of favorite class or subject in high school and why? And is there any kind of teacher who's, like, really inspired you to go a certain way? I'd say, like, overall, my favorite subjects are probably math and sciences, just because I'm, like, I do very well in those.

But I think one of my favorite teachers is definitely Dr. Folds. Last year, when I took A-Push, I was really struggling, like, in the beginning of the year. I was not great at writing essays, and I was very, like, stressed throughout the whole year.

But he really pushed me to be, like, a really good essay writer, really good at history. And towards the end of the year, like, I felt really prepared for the exam, and I ended up getting a 5. So that was really inspirational to me. Like, having a teacher that really pushes me and, like, believed in me to, and then, you know, going and getting a 5 on the exam was really nice.

And let's go into the science, your science experience here. You're part of the Anderson Scholars Program. And can you explain just your project? Um, so my project...

My project is, um, determining, like, the different heat signatures of rosins on the bow and strings of my double bass. So, essentially, what I did in the first place was I took different rosins, and I put them on my bow, and then I would, like, play across the strings, and then show them to this infrared camera that I borrowed from the school, and then, like, take the heat signature reading off of that to see which one had a higher friction. And so since, like, heat corresponds to friction, um, a higher heat signature, means there was more friction between the bow and the string. And so I was able to see which different brand of rosin, like, provided the most friction.

Um, and then last year, myself and Mr. McEwen worked on making, like, a mechanical system that would, like, automate this process because when I play with my arm, I can't keep the pressure constant. So that could lead to, like, variation in the different, um, like, data that I got. So we created, um, a mechanical system.

And then over the summer, we've been using that to collect, like, better data for it. You know, it sounds like you've taken a bunch of pretty difficult classes here. So from your experience, what's kind of the most challenging class you've taken throughout high school, and how did you kind of manage to get through it, especially with all the load of other things that you're doing? Yeah, without a doubt, the hardest class I've ever taken was AP Physics C.

That class gave me some of the lowest test scores I think I've ever seen in my entire life. Like, it was, it was actually, like, unbelievable. Like, I don't know. I feel like most of the time I just kind of coast through classes with, like, baseline knowledge.

And it's like, whatever. Like, I'll get a good grade in it. But AP Physics really, like, challenged me to actually try as hard as I could. And even then I still got low grades and stuff.

So what I did was I stayed after class, um, because the block after Physics was a free period. So I would take that free period, um, and just work with Mr. Ketchum and do some math. And I would do some math.

And I would do, like, a bunch of practice problems, ask him to make them as hard as possible so that I could really, like, further my understanding of it. And I think this was very useful. I don't know if any other students did that. Um, I know a lot of them also had free periods afterwards and they weren't in there with me.

So I might have been, like, the only kid last doing that. But, um, yeah. And it was really helpful. I ended up getting a four on that exam, which I'm really happy about.

Um, obviously, I would have preferred a five. But I'll definitely take a four. For sure. And, uh, you know, a lot of times nowadays, it's like you have to take, some people just take easy classes so they can get their GPA up and, like, look good for colleges.

Like, what advice do you have for people to, like, take those challenging classes, even though you might not get the grades that you want? Um, I would say just push yourself, like, as much as you can. I know, like, taking an easy class, like, taking regular history instead of an A-push might be like, oh, yeah, it'll be a GPA booster. But colleges really look for, they look for rigor in your schedule.

Um, they look for you taking, like, hard classes, APs, honors, um, accelerated courses. So, you know, obviously, don't do it just for college. But I'd say a lot of people are a lot more capable in these harder classes than they think of themselves. Um, so I'd say just really push yourself and take that AP class if you have the chance.

You know, now, Kai, moving into music, how did you first, Kai, get into playing music you talked about when you were five? And especially, why the double bass? So it's not, like, exactly the first instrument you think of. What do you think of, like, oh, I play music.

So what was kind of the draw to music for you? Um, so when I was five, my mom took my brother and I, um, my brother was nine at the time, to, like, a musical petting zoo kind of thing. They had a bunch of professionals who had their instruments there and were, like, playing them for us so we could see them. My mom wanted us both to, like, choose one of them.

So my brother chose the violin. Um, he doesn't play it anymore, so I'm already better than him in that. Um, but I wanted to choose something bigger than the violin, so I chose the bass because, you know, I was a grown man who was playing it. It was, like, a giant instrument.

And then when I got my bass, it was tiny. It was so sad. It was tiny. It was like a cello, like a small-sized cello with its strings tuned the same way as a bass.

So a little bit sad, but, um, after that, like, I started taking lessons at the music school settlement, which is, like, over by the art museum. Over by, like, the Cleveland Institute of Music. Um, and then as I got older and started growing, I was able to move up to, like, bigger sizes of, um... And then I actually got a bass, which was, like, a small size.

It was, like, a 32nd size or something. Like, they're different sizes. But, um, then I got put on that. And then when I turned 14, um, I auditioned to, like, be a part of the, like, it's, like, an academy or, like, prep program at, um, the Cleveland Institute of Music.

And I got in. And I'd say that's really when I started taking music more seriously. I don't think, like, when I was five, I was really serious about music. It was more of just, like, a thing that I could do and, like, I was doing.

My mom had to tell me to practice and stuff. But when I got into, like, the CIM, like, program, and then I got into, like, the Cleveland Orchestra, Youth Orchestra in the eighth grade, I knew I really needed to, like, actually step up and take pride in practicing and playing. So I definitely took it a lot more seriously. Um, so, yeah.

And being a part of programs like that, probably also you were up against, but playing with and learning with really talented musicians. So that probably had to, you had to step up your game to be on their level. So how does being with musicians that are above your level really help you get better? Um, I'd say for me, it really helps me because it shows you how good you can be.

Um, I know at first, you know, I was like, oh, I don't know. Um, I'd say for me, it really helps me because it shows you how good you can be. Um, I know at first, you know, I was like, oh, I don't know. At first, it's a little disheartening, seeing like people who are so much better than you playing.

And it's like, why can't I sound like that? But then you think about it and it's like, I can sound like that. I just need to put more time and more effort into practicing, making sure that I'm using my practice time efficiently. And I think that's what was really eye-opening for me.

Um, you know, my practice time went from like 30 minutes a day to like two hours. Some days I'd wake up really early in the morning, like six AM before school to practice. And then also just, like, taking time before lessons to still practice because usually I would, like, consider my lesson time my practice time. But I started practicing before and then after lessons to really maximize my time and make sure that all the tips my teacher gave me, like, really stuck in the music I was playing.

So I think just, like, taking inspiration from people who are better than me instead of, like, being jealous of them in a way. Yeah. Does your family ever get mad at you when you practice? A little bit.

A little bit. The music room is pretty loud when I'm practicing. So it'll be, like, 12 in the morning and my mom will be sleeping and she'll come downstairs and be like, there are other people in this house who keep practicing this late. So definitely.

You know, with you kind of being in high school and managing the work and the social life and kind of football, what does your practice schedule look like now? I mean, you've only gone. You've gone up and up in the ranks of what you can do with double bass and the different programs you could be in. So what does that practice schedule kind of look like today?

It's really just whenever I have time. Like, it's not a specific, oh, from 6 to 8 p.m. I'll be practicing because, you know, football ends at 6. Then I have lessons on Thursdays at 7, some days at 6.

So it's really just whenever I can find the time. And if I can't find the time during the day because I'm studying or doing practice or whatever at school. Then I'll just, you know, make time by waking up a little bit earlier so I can get that time in. So it's just really whenever I'm free.

What has been maybe one of the coolest venues that you've played at or the coolest kind of people, atmosphere that you've been able to play with? I would say definitely playing at Carnegie Hall in New York. We got to it was like a three week program called NYO, like National Youth Orchestra. Of the United States of America, but it's like they're like program for younger kids.

I think it was 14 or 15 at the time. So we got to stay at a college campus in New York for two weeks. And it was just like a lot of practicing with each other, like in an orchestra setting and then a bunch of master classes and solo works. And then we got to go to Carnegie Hall for the second week, which was our first concert.

And then after that, we got to. We got to fly down to the Dominican Republic to have three more concerts, which was that was so much fun. Like, I don't think I probably never would have gone to the Dominican Republic if it wasn't for music and being able to play music in a place like places like that was just so cool for me. You know, have you ever had kind of a funny or embarrassing moment when rehearsing or performing or practicing and maybe a time when it kind of like a string snapped or you came in at the wrong time?

Think of a moment that really sticks out to you. Um, I'd say there was a time when I was at in Boston for music and we were all like rehearsing together. It was like our dress rehearsal and we had we were playing this one like contemporary piece where we would all like spin our bases and I guess I was too close to the music stand and I spun my bass around and it slammed into the music stand and it fell over and it was so loud and everybody was looking at me and it was so embarrassing, but that's probably the most embarrassing thing that's happened on stage. But also like coming in early that happens all the time coming in like when you're not supposed to in the middle of like a rest is just it's the worst.

It's the worst. Well, I know a lot of communities like at least that I've been a part of in sports like baseball community you kind of get to know those people in that community is that similar and music like the people you go to those things at Carnegie Hall or like in different areas do you stay in touch with those people and are you guys kind of close? Yeah, I'm very close with a lot of people who have done those like rehearsals. Like different programs with you see I still talk to like regularly talk to some kids.

I met at a camp called interlock in in like sixth grade. So that was that's like that's like six years ago is when I went to that camp and I still regularly talk to those kids the people from the NMIO program. A lot of them are in college like starting their second year right now still in contact with them and like I have a lot of connections at different schools. So I hope to go to.

Northwestern like that's definitely my top school at the moment and I have a lot of friends there who do music also friends from us obviously who are there but through music. I know a lot of people. You know, you kind of basically embody the kind of scholar athlete musician kind of a deal that we think of like as the US boy. So how do you kind of juggle all these different things at the same time while still just trying to keep time for life?

I mean, I'd say it really boils down to having a good support system. Yeah. I have my parents. My mom obviously helps a lot with my schedule making sure that everything is like together then also from like coaches like it's it's very easy to tell them.

Hey, like I have a conflict with practice or maybe I'm not able to make a game or something because I have a performance or rehearsal that I need to like attend and they always are super understanding. Like if I tell them in advance that it's like conflict or something because conflicts are inevitable, right? So just making sure that everyone is on the same page and really making sure that my schedule is tight. So like there's never any question of where I'm supposed to be and then also with school.

I think school is probably the biggest thing because finding time to study for different exams is really hard when you're also trying to like go to practice and then go to a lesson and you know, you still have to find time to practice your instrument too. But you know using my free period in school using my opposite lunch to get work done. It's definitely helped me a lot especially last year when I was taking five APS like so much work, but I mean I survived so but yeah, just like time management, you know, in addition to all the other craziness that you had just explained. You're also the Peters House Prefect this year.

So what does like really being a prefect mean to you and what was the whole process of you thinking that you wanted to be a prefect? Um, so being a prefect to me. It's like, you know, having a more vocal leadership. Position within the school within my house.

I think for me, I'm more of a reserved person. Like I don't really like being in the spotlight a whole lot. So I really wanted to step out of my comfort zone and do something that would like really put me into the spotlight. Like I don't have a choice like for house meetings.

I'm the one leading. I'm the one speaking during like Prefect meetings in the mornings like I have to contribute to the conversations. So I think what really like puts me in the spotlight. What really like pushed me to want to be a prefect was to be more vocal to be more like outgoing towards other people because it's nice to have like conversational skills.

So that's why I want to be a prefect. So across your time here, you've been involved in sports, music, school, obviously. But talk about Dr. Folds.

Are there any other teachers or coaches that have kind of mentored you or been big influences for you? Um, I'd say like I don't I can't really pick a favorite or like pick a favorite. Or like pick one teacher specifically or like a few teachers because I feel like I'd be leaving some out that I wouldn't want to. But I think all of the teachers that I've had have really pushed me and shaped me in like their own ways that I can't really like begin to describe.

Um, coaching wise, like it's the same thing. I just I can't I wouldn't want to name them specifically because they've all helped me so much. You know, high school obviously is full of a lot of great moments. So what's just one of your favorites?

What's just one of your favorite moments of your time here? Obviously, you're in your senior year, so we're kind of getting to the end of it. But it could be anything from time winning a game to a class trip or just a fun day just in general. What's one of your favorite moments in these past four years?

Um, can I pick two? Yeah, totally. Okay, my first one was the fourth grade whaling trip. Like, it was just such a great, it's just such a great memory of going to like Cape Cod, seeing like actually seeing whales in the ocean.

Like, I feel like that's so crazy. Like, that's so insane to just see them like right there in front of you. I don't know. That was so much fun.

And then I think, like both of the DC trips we did in middle school, which I think was fifth grade and eighth grade. Just like, you know, having time with your grade and being out and about like on the bus and stuff, like looking at different monuments and like learning about history was just really cool. So I think those are my favorite two moments from being here. Speaking of being a student.

Senior, which is crazy. If you could go back now that you've been through all of it and give advice to your younger self, what do you think you would say? I think I would probably tell myself to not be afraid to ask for help. I think for me, that was kind of like a taboo thing.

It was like, you don't really need the help. You can figure it out on your own. And for the most part, that kind of worked. Like, I didn't really need to ask for help in my classes.

I was able to almost always figure it out on my own. When I got up here and, you know, I started taking harder classes, like I tried the same thing of like figuring it out on my own. But that didn't work. It really didn't.

And so I had to like actually ask for help from my teachers. And thankfully, they were all very like willing to like stay after and help me and like give me advice. So I would say just being more ready to ask for it when I need it. You know, now kind of looking ahead, what are your plans for next year?

I mean, you kind of talked about college. What do you kind of plan to study? And is there kind of something that you're considering, some other colleges that you're considering? So obviously, like I said, Northwestern is my top school.

But my criteria for like going to college was they have to have a music program. They have to have biomedical engineering, which is what I hope to study. And they have to have like some sort of sports life. Because I need like a career.

Because I need like a balance of all three of those things. I don't think I could see myself at a school that's just focused on academics or just focused on sports. I need like a balance of all three things. So I think some schools that would, you know, fit that are like if I could get in, Yale would be really nice.

Princeton, obviously. I think like and then obviously Ohio State's there. It's like a foundational school. But I hope to study biomedical engineering.

And then also major in double-based performance. But if that doesn't work out, I'll definitely still minor in it because it needs to be part of my life. Is there anyone that in your life like right now you want to just say thank you to? Like this would be your time to just say like thank you for all that you've done and kind of support?

Yeah. Definitely to my like my family, my mom, my dad, my brother, my two cats. Can't forget them. And then all of like my close friends who have really like helped me.

Yeah. Through like difficult times in high school. And I know that like we'll all still be very good friends in the future. You know, we ask this question to all of our guests.

It's usually our last because we love the wide range of responses. But Travis, you've done so much throughout high school, kind of made your mark in this community in many different ways. But behind all of that, there's a grind that comes with all of that. So what is your why?

What is this thing that kind of gets you up in the morning, keeps you practicing early and practicing late and keeps you going when things get tough? I just want to be the best. Like, I don't know. I think that's my reason.

It's just I want to be the best at everything that I do. And whatever it takes to get there, I will do it. Well, Travis, it's been great having you on the show today. Thank you so much for taking the time to kind of share your stories and experiences with us.

And to our listeners, thank you so much for tuning in. And we hope you'll join us next Wednesday for the next episode of Late Start Show. Thanks, Travis. Thank you.