Artist of the Week: Collin Freet

Whether performing with the honors wind ensemble or racing down the track, Warwick Valley High School senior Collin Freet brings dedication and heart to everything he does. A standout euphonium player, student-athlete and Eagle Scout, Freet has shaped his high school experience through a wide range of pursuits, spanning music, athletics, academics, leadership and community service.

He discovered his passion for music early on. As a third grader, he remembers being especially drawn to the deep, resonant sound of large brass instruments.

“Originally, I wanted to play the tuba, but my mother wanted me to play a much smaller instrument, so we compromised and settled on what we both agreed was a medium-sized instrument,” Freet said.

Band quickly became his favorite elective, and he has been a mainstay in the honors wind ensemble since successfully auditioning via video during his freshman year amid COVID restrictions.

Most recently, his musical growth was on full display during the spring concert, where he delivered a standout solo performance in the piece “Hot as Blue Blazes,” accompanied by fellow senior Anthony Peconie on alto saxophone.

Warwick Valley High School music teacher Megan Shafer praised Freet for both his talent and his character. “Collin is one of the most helpful and courteous students I have ever had the privilege of teaching in fourteen years,” she said. “He is an exceptionally talented musician, trustworthy and embodies all that a leader is.”

Outside of music, Freet has played a key role in the debate club, where he has served as an officer since junior year. He helps organize debates, research topics and moderate discussions to foster respectful and balanced conversations.

His involvement in cross-country and track, which began in his freshman year, also sparked the idea for his Eagle Scout project. During his sophomore and junior years, he refurbished the cross-country course at Sanfordville Elementary School by replacing worn poles, restoring signage and doing some light landscaping to enhance the space for future runners.

“The course is used by thousands of runners and community members each year, so it felt like a meaningful contribution,” Freet said. His efforts involved coordinating with the school superintendent, the grounds department, local businesses and a farmer who donated machinery.

Freet will attend Lehigh University this fall to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace. His goal is to work in government roles focused on rocket or satellite design.

He finds compelling parallels between music and engineering, noting that both require interpreting unique languages and developing intuitive responses.

“With music, you look at notes and your muscles just respond. Similarly, calculus becomes less about numbers and more about reading and interpreting a unique language,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Freet expressed deep gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support, especially during the early days of euphonium practice. “It’s not exactly a quiet instrument,” he laughed. “And I definitely wasn’t good at first.”

Of all his accomplishments, Collin is especially proud of his growth as a leader, from earning Eagle Scout to participating in the Youth Leadership Conference and Boys’ State Legion Academy.

“Presenting myself as a leader and proving it through actions has truly been one of my biggest accomplishments,” he said.