As a senior it is heart aching to put on that school organization uniform for the last time, whether it is football, drill team, JROTC, basketball, or cheerleading.

   The morning of the Mesquite Rodeo Parade, senior Omar Ramirez would proudly wear his marching band uniform for the last time of his high school career.

   "I wanted to steal it, "Ramirez said. "I felt honored for some odd reason."

    Omar Ramirez is the last oboe player to ever march during the Fall Football Season.

    "I can’t believe it’s over," Ramirez said. "This is the last chance I will ever march an oboe. I have done what maybe 100 people in this world have ever done throughout their high school years."

    Beginning next year, oboists are to automatically join percussion during marching season instead of having the option to either march during the fall or join percussion on the sideline.

    Besides Ramirez, 06-07’s Mighty Maroon Band, or MMB, included two other marching oboists who graduated last year, Leroy Garza and Steven Nguyen. The three oboists were also known as, "The Great Oboe Trio".

    "The best thing about marching with Omar was that he has a lot of enthusiasm and love for what he does and it motivates everyone," 07’ graduate, Garza said.

    Most musicians had a calling to play their favorite instrument or know basic information on the chosen instrument.

    "In sixth grade I wanted to play violin, but they put me in band," Ramirez said. "The oboe was the only instrument the school owned. I didn’t know what the oboe was when I chose it."

    Over his high school career, Omar has earned numerous awards for his oboe talent such as, All-Region 04-08, All-Area 06-08, All-Region Orchestra 06-07, a medal for playing in a trio and three medals over a three-year period.

    Omar’s modest attitude has inspired band directors and various students.

    "Omar’s hard work and dedication tend to rub off on the students around him," Associate Director, Scott Patricia said.

    "He’s made me want to be a better player because it all seems so effortless to Omar," sophomore, spring oboist, Nina Hernandez said. "He also makes me want to be a nicer person and less judgmental."

    Long time friend Irving Solorzano has witnessed Omar’s music mature throughout the years.

    "Well me and him have known each other since fourth grade," senior Solorzano said. "He is basically like a Jimmi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Brian May oboe playing master!"

    Throughout Ramirez’s years in the MMB, he has grown close to Head Director Gary Monroe.

    "Mr. Monroe has helped me in so many ways that people don’t even know," Ramirez said.

    Omar has had his ups and downs throughout his high school years and Mr. Monroe has been there to him through it all.

    "I have seen him work very hard for every thing he has and I always admire that," said Monroe. "When something needs to be done he does it and does it well. He is always willing to help others in any way."

    "He has worked very hard and led by example. He is definitely has improved a lot to become a performer of the highest caliber," Monroe said.

    Omar has chosen to attend Texas A&M Commerce and maybe transfer to NSU in the future.

    "I plan to never put down my oboe but learn more about music," Ramirez said.

    Although Mr. Ramirez will be attending A&M Commerce this fall, he tends to make plans to make appearances next school year.

    "People still come up to me, even parents, and Mr. Becker to come back so I can play the Super Mario song for them," Ramirez said.

    As the school year comes to a closing, Omar’s advisors feel that he is more than prepared to continue his music with the real world.

    "Omar is the finest musician in our band today and he has accomplished by himself what many students do with years of private lessons," Patricia said.