Senior Spotlight: Brad Allen

Editor’s note: Today is the third installment of a series Minnetonka Patch has put together to highlight some of Minnetonka High School’s most outstanding Seniors. Between now and graduation, Patch will be featuring some of these great kids. And we hope the community will take pride in some of the young adults who will represent Minnetonka in the years to come.

Student: Brad Allen

College Attending: Northwestern University; Dual Degree Program—Bienan School of Music and Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

What activities were you involved in while at Minnetonka High School?

Jazz Ensemble 1, Jazz Combo, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Saxophone Quartet and Pit Orchestra

What activities do you do outside of school? 

Minnesota Youth Jazz Band, Dakota Combo and Minnesota All-State Jazz Band

What are your future plans?

I'm not really too sure, but it's gotta involve music in some way. Best case scenario: Performing/teaching music. But this 2nd degree will prepare me academically for other things as well.

What has been your best experience growing up in Minnetonka?

Any trip taken with the band, be it Orlando (marching band), Eau Claire (jazz ensemble) or to marching band camp in Annandale. Even though we didn't travel far, the various festivals and competitions were always fun, and the band is such a great group to travel with.

What are you most proud of in your life?

Being able to balance school work, play, and music, and manage to do well at all three.

What’s your….

• Favorite music? Changes all the time! Right now, I'm into a jazz group called the Brian Blade Fellowship, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Decemberists, Jeremy Messersmith, and Andrew Bird
• Favorite book? Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy/ anything by Terry Pratchett
• Favorite television show? Sports games (Twins, Timberwolves, etc.) or The Daily Show
• Favorite food? Indian/ pasta

Can you name your favorite teacher(s)?

Mr. Rosen, Mr. Mortenson, Ms. Duncan and Mr. Pears

What is a fun fact that someone might not know about you?

I lived in Northern Ireland for a few years. Unfortunately, I can't do an Irish accent.

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