From the day she joined the band in the sixth grade, senior and French horn player Leonie Manafa’s passion has only continued to grow. A founding member of Emerson’s band program and three-year band president, Manafa’s dedication to music has taken her to new heights.

“I’ve always loved music, so going into sixth grade, band seemed like the most interesting way to explore it,” Manafa said.

Being elected as Emerson’s first-ever band president and holding the position for three years has taught Manafa valuable leadership skills that led her to be elected Emerson’s 2021-2022 Maverick of the Year.

“Being in a leadership position has taught me to be more aware and empathetic to many different kinds of people,” Manafa said, “Due to how many people I interact with, I’ve learned how to connect with a wide variety of people.”

Manafa will be attending Howard University in the fall to study psychology.

“I’ve always loved to help people and would love to become a psychiatrist in the future,” Manafa said, “One day I would love to open up my own psychiatry practice.”

As Manafa nears the end of her senior year and her band career, she reflects on her favorite memories.

“My favorite band memory was the band banquet last year because I felt so connected to the organization,” Manafa said. “Getting to reminisce on the past year with all of my friends around me felt so comfortable and gave me so much love for my community and the program we had built.”