David Navarette is a sophomore at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Balancing both playing the trumpet in the MSD wind symphony band and schoolwork, Navarette’s schedule is full nearly each and every day. 

“Sure band is very time consuming along with the rest of my life, but when something’s important you make the time,” Navarette said. 

Navarette begins his days like most, getting up bright and early for the 7:40 a.m. school bell, to attend classes like AP Spanish and Algebra 2 Honors until the final bell at 2:40 p.m. He typically does not leave the MSD campus at the time that most do, with the majority of weekdays dedicated to band rehearsals lasting until 8:15 p.m. 

With so little time available for him to truly relax, Navarette has learned to manage his assignments and commitments well enough so that when he gets home from rehearsals, he is not overwhelmed by homework and studying.

“Eventually you have to figure out a way to mix in band with the rest of your life. If I can get a headstart, I’ll do my assignments during my free time in school, at practice or as soon as I get home from rehearsal,” Navarette said.

Along with his twin brother, sophomore Pablo Navarrete, who is also in the wind symphony band, David has the triple-responsibility of keeping up with the life of a gifted student, a musician and a teenager trying to deal with the anxieties of high school. 

David gives much of his day to an organized schedule of work, activities and keeping a social life.

“We don’t have time to fool around. You learn through band that you have to play at your fullest, work at your fullest, practice at your fullest or else it just won’t work well,” Navarette said. 

Navarette is also dedicated to band outside of practice and rehearsals. He continues practicing on the trumpet after school as a way to keep sharp on his instrument.

When performing at MSD sporting events and state-wide competitions, Navarette showcases the benefits of all the extra hours of practice he has put in for band.

“A lot of the time you put in [practicing an instrument] is definitely worth it. Whether you’re good or bad, if you put just a little bit of effort in you can get exponentially better,” Navarette said. 

He is not alone in his journey, with his father being a major influence in his decision to pick up an instrument four years prior and his brother Pablo playing alongside him in the wind symphony. According to him, everything was made possible by the support of his family, who have guided him along the way.

Navarette has plenty of friends in and out of band as well as a supportive family who collectively make his journey in high school easier. He also implements a strong work ethic that makes his success in band possible.

Navarette is on the clock from dusk till dawn and makes the most of his time every day.