It’s Never
Too Late
ELLIE CARTER
NORAKATES PHOTOGRAPHY IMAGES
From her first guitar chords to performing at halftime, Ellie Carter reflects on finding her place in the Moore County High School Band
I never saw myself being a part of the Moore County Band, especially considering that I had never taken an interest in learning how to play a musical instrument. I have seen many people play, and I even have multiple family members and friends who have played instruments before. The only thing I could do was sit on my bed, strum the strings on a guitar, and act like I was playing a song that I had made up. This all changed one afternoon at the Class of 2028 fireworks stand that we set up every year to help raise money for our senior trip.
That afternoon, I could not tell you how the topic came up, but I mentioned playing guitar to Caleb Poston, who was about to begin his first year as the Moore County High School band director. He was stunned by my request, but he agreed that he could teach me when we started back to school. However, I did not fully understand his plans for my new hobby.
Learning the Guitar
When he started teaching me how to play, our lessons were in the mornings, from about 7:20 to 7:45. During this time, he taught me basic chords like E minor (Em), G major (G), C major (C), and D major (D). Many teachers and students would stop by the door and watch me play. At the time, I would get so flustered because I thought messing up was embarrassing. I know now that learning how to play something from scratch is not easy, and it does take time.
They always say that practice makes perfect, and I can 100% agree with that statement now. When I messed up on the chords, it was just part of it, and Mr. Poston would remind me, “It’s not just about the notes you play; it’s the attitude and aura you have when you play them.”
Whatever that means.
Learning how to play taught me the importance of patience and trusting the process.
Joining the Band
One day, I was walking to my fifth-period class, which was Honors English, when I walked by Mr. Poston’s door. Of course, he was doing his signature casual, one-foot-on-the-wall lean when he called my name: “Hey Ellie, come here.”
When words like this come out of Mr. Poston’s mouth, sometimes you do not know whether to run away or listen to what he has to say. This time, I decided to listen, and that is when he introduced me to the idea of playing guitar in the band. He gave me a day or two to think about it, but I ultimately decided that I would play in the band.
At first, it was hard to make it to practice. However, thanks to Mrs. Brown, our Spanish teacher, and her understanding of my commitment to performing, I was able to practice after completing all my classwork. That extra practice during the school day made me more confident in my skills. Balancing sports that were ramping up with band and other school activities was difficult, but I would not have done it any other way.
My First Performances
The first song I was ever taught was Battery by Metallica, a real classic in Mr. Poston’s eyes. It was at that moment that I realized I would not be getting out of playing guitar anytime soon.
When I could go into the band room and practice, I remember being shy and not really knowing what to do or where to go. There were people in there who had been doing this way longer than I had, and honestly, I felt tense and uneasy. I never wanted to mess up in front of anyone or get off a measure because it would mess everyone else up.
However, I realize now that being able to play music is a gift, and it is worth the risk of embarrassment. Also, who is really going to point it out if you mess up? If you know you did, just fix it the next time. Do not sit there and worry about it.
My first show was actually against Huntland, a rival school, and there I was, playing an instrument that was still fairly new to me. Wonderful.
I was nervous the whole day. Mr. Poston probably asked me a couple hundred times if I was ready, and my answer was always a shrug of the shoulders. The thought of playing in front of everyone really took me out of my comfort zone with the regular Friday night lights routine. When it was time for us to perform at halftime, my nerves were crazy. I could barely hold the pick in my hand. I was sweating so much. Playing basketball, I get pretty sweaty, but this was a different type of sweat.
I remember my first-ever time playing guitar in front of a crowd, and I had to start everyone off. The right beat, rhythm, and tone were all up to me. Fortunately, as the shows progressed, it became easier to play. I even began playing the chimes when needed, specifically for the song For Whom the Bell Tolls, also by Metallica. Every time we ended our performance, I realized that it was not all that bad.
I went and spoke to my mother, LeEllen Carter, about our show, and she ended up explaining to me how she could not hear what I was playing. This comment, however, did not make me feel unseen or anything like that. It honestly meant that I had more time to perfect what I had already learned. Mr. Poston promised my mom and me that the sound system would never have a problem again.
Growing as a Musician
We started the new school year with band camp. This is where I learned how to read sheet music and expanded my musical knowledge. Being able to read sheet music allowed me to play Beat It by Michael Jackson and then switch to Marilyn Manson’s Sweet Dreams. This also freed Mr. Poston to focus on other individuals who needed more help than I did.
However, it was not easy. Before perfecting the song, I realized that I had accidentally been reading the notes upside down. This did not affect me too much. I just had to relearn it. With the help of Mr. Poston and his trust in me, I was able to take the guitar home, along with the amp, and practice even more.
Before I knew it, the first show was right around the corner. We had been practicing for what felt like ages. I was not as nervous as the year before because this time, I had Reason Brown, my best friend, right behind me playing the synthesizer.
Having her in the class with me was such a relief. I was no longer the outsider, and we began to make new friendships inside the band room. We now have a group chat with five members, including me, called the White Keys.
Every day, we go into our sixth-period class ready to practice for the next show and make it the best we can. The funniest thing by far is when different people walk into our class, and they are blown away by the loud noises and instruments playing at the same time.
All I have to say is that you get used to it, except when the electric guitar and amp are turned all the way up, blasting heavy metal while someone is beating the fool out of the drums. However, I think we could have our own rock band in there when we all come together.
It’s Never Too Late to Try Something New
The football season is coming to an end, which also means our performances are almost done. We might not be your average band or have the most people, but each individual in the Moore County High School Band has put so much effort into this year’s show.
I am so grateful for the opportunity Mr. Poston gave me a couple of years ago to be a part of this group. Playing in the band might not be someone’s forte, but I once said the same thing, and here I am.
In a nutshell, I would recommend trying something new every once in a while. It keeps life interesting, and who knows, you might find something you like.
Meet the band. See the faces. Get the story behind “I Want My MTV.”
The 2026-27 MCHS Band Show Book takes you inside this year’s show, introduces the students and staff, and puts plenty of band-camp memories on the page.
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