Brothers find own beat in band

As one Pagano brother prepares to leave, another one will be stepping up to keep the beat going.

Senior Anthony Pagano and his younger brother, rising eighth grader Dylan, both play percussion in the Alexander Hamilton High School Band. 

“I’ve been playing since I was in the fourth grade,” Anthony said, adding he picked up the drums because he thought it would be simpler than learning a wind or brass instrument.

“You don’t have to rely on the lungs to play, and you don’t have to bring anything home,” he joked.

Dylan maintained the same practicality, deciding since his brother played drums, he would too.

“I joined the band because he was in the band,” Dylan said. “And it’s easier than anything else. I consider myself lazy.”

Be that as it may, Dylan said, that he enjoys the drums, and thinks it’s the most fun instrument to play.

“You play faster, there are more rhythms, and you can sound good without everyone else,” Dylan said.

While the two may play together in the band during concerts or at events, like marching in the Memorial Day Parade, the two typically don’t have an opportunity to be in band at the same time. Anthony is there in 9^th period, while Dylan takes his turn during first period.

“During performances we help each other out,” Anthony said. 

For Dylan, his love of drums continues outside of school. He received a drum set as a gift and takes private lessons.

In the fall Anthony will be attending Penn State at the Altoona, Pa. campus where he plans on studying Rail Transportation and Engineering.

“I’ve been interested in trains ever since I could speak,” Anthony said. “I love trains.”

Ultimately, he said, he would like to design systems for passenger rails to help them operate more efficiently.

And does he plan to keep up his playing drums? Anthony said he would like to but would be more interested in continuing to play in a smaller ensemble.

The one thing he won’t miss, he admits, is the drums marching harness, it is uncomfortable.

Dylan, however, will be back with the AHHS band!

For anyone who plays an instrument, Anthony encouraged them to join the band, “it’s something to do and it’s fun.”

Dylan agreed, “it’s not boring!”