Socorro High junior finds his voice through trumpet

For 17-year-old Liam Demorest, music has always been part of the background — and eventually, the foreground — of his life.

Demorest, a junior at Socorro High School, began his musical journey in elementary school at Cottonwood, first learning the recorder before moving on to trumpet in about fourth grade. Like many young musicians, his entry point was a school band program, but what started as curiosity has grown into years of dedication and performance.

“I started with the recorder, which is kind of an introductory instrument for younger kids,” Demorest said. “When I was old enough to join the school band, I started thinking about what instrument I wanted to play.”

He briefly considered clarinet, but ultimately found his fit with trumpet — an instrument that challenges his mind and body.

“It takes quite a bit of effort to play a musical instrument,” he said. “You’re reading music, controlling your breathing, using your hands — there’s a lot going on all at once. You really have to process everything to make something that sounds good.”

Music runs in the family. Demorest’s father, Paul Demarest, is a saxophone player and a regular member of the local community band. Liam often heard his father practicing at home and eventually joined the same community band himself, beginning around middle school.

The transition was made easier by the close connection between the school and community programs. The community band has long been led by Dr. Eileen Comstock, who also directs the band at Cottonwood, creating a welcoming environment for younger musicians who are ready to step up.

“It’s super inclusive,” said Liam’s mother, Sara Roberts Demorest. “If the kids were doing well and were well-behaved, she would invite them to play with the community band.”

Sara recalls her son’s interest in music long before he picked up an instrument. As a toddler, he loved listening to music and singing along. She even made him playlists when he was about three years old because, she said, “it would just make him really happy.”

At Socorro High, Demorest continues to develop his skills through increasingly complex pieces. One piece that stands out to him is a band work called “Dark Winds”, which he described as intense and exciting to play. He has also performed solo pieces in school concerts.

Outside of performing, Demorest listens broadly, tuning into whatever catches his ear — from rock and alternative music to pop.

“I don’t really have a favorite song or band,” he said. “I just kind of listen to whatever. You’ve got to have a diverse view of stuff.”

While music remains important to him, Demorest doesn’t plan to pursue it professionally. After high school, he is considering several paths, including a possible career in information technology. For him, music will likely remain a lifelong hobby rather than a profession.

Still, he believes playing an instrument offers lasting benefits, especially for young people.

“It’s a very mentally enriching experience,” he said. “It can prepare you for intense situations later in life. Practicing an instrument helps you organize your brain and deal with a lot being thrown at you.”

For younger students unsure about music, his advice is simple: start small and explore.

“Start with something simple, like the recorder,” he said. “Then broaden your horizons and see what instruments sound appealing to you. You’ve just got to find what speaks to you the most.”