Godwin senior Henry Glagola is setting the rhythm of our music scene. With each beat, Glagola drums his way into our hearts, showcasing an unmatched talent that’s turning heads in the school community.

Glagola has earned a spot in second chair of the AVJE (All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble) two consecutive years. AVJE is a select group of the greatest youth jazz musicians from across the state who attend a 3 day event. “We learn, rehearse, and perform jazz music taught by a renowned jazz instructor,” said Glagola. This year the jazz instructor is Alan Baylock, but it changes every year.

Getting into AVJE has been a reflection of Glagola’s hard work and dedication over the years, along with showing him the potential that he has what it takes to drum somewhere serious in his future.

Glagola has been playing the drums for 10 years, but his passion for it first started when he saw his cousin play when he was five. “It sparked an interest in me and made me want to learn,” said Glagola.

Coming from a family with a strong musical background, he naturally gravitated towards playing a musical instrument, particularly one focused on rhythm. Glagola originally played the drums for fun, but as he got into middle school, he realized that he wanted to be in the jazz band.  

Now that he is reaching the end of his high school career, he’s focusing primarily on what he wants to do after he graduates. “I want to pursue a career in the music industry, with drumming at the very least on the side,” said Glagola.

He enjoys drumming because it allows him to express himself in a unique way, being able to express his emotion through rhythm. “When I’m drumming I enter this musical space where I can communicate to others through music,” said Glagola. 

In his drumming journey, he discovers a natural affinity for it but fully commits to an all-or-nothing approach, dedicating himself to intense practice until the audition day arrives. “I still always put in the work to achieve my drumming goals,” said Glagola.

Despite possessing incredible talent, he still has his times of low motivation and doubts in his drumming abilities. In the face of such challenges, his relentless love for drumming keeps him going. Recognizing the unique skills he possesses, he finds the strength to persist in his commitment to drumming. “What has kept me going has been my passion for the drums and understanding the ability that I possess and how I can never give up on it,” said Glagola.

Glagola emphasizes his advice in having patience when it comes to starting an instrument. “Nothing will come immediately, so having the will to work through something until it’s learned is so important when playing an instrument,” said Glagola.