“My band is called Mixtapes, my friends Ryan, Kamal and Josh are in it,” says senior Maura Weaver.  Weaver has been playing in her band since October 2009. 

Most students at Mariemont also know Maura Weaver for her art work displayed in the gallery over the past years. Which is her favorite? Music or visual art. “Eh, that is hard to say, but I would probably pick playing music. I’ve just always been better at expressing myself through music and I love the social and emotional power that music has, though I love creating visual art, as well,” Weaver confesses. 

Weaver says that she gains inspiration from, “other music, life experiences, the reflection of self and the world around me. My music is inspired by that and other music. My concentration, for example, is inspired not only by music but lyrics and how they apply to my self-reflection. It all ties together.” 

Thinking for a minute Weaver decides on her favorite piece of art. “It was probably a piece I did earlier in the school year where I’m looking up at creatures around a self-portrait of my head; it’s done in water color and pen. I just like it because it’s spontaneous and fun yet extremely reflective.” 

When hearing Weaver’s list of favorite classes it was no surprise to see that she enjoys in the realm of more creative, hands-on classes. She explains that her favorite classes have been, “a tie between English, Art, and Orchestra! I love studying lit. and writing, making art, and playing viola! These are the only classes I ever really shine in, honestly,” Weaver laughs as she comes to this conclusion. 

When not making art or producing music, there are many other interesting hobbies Weaver likes to take part in. “Well I like nerdy things like RPGs (role playing games) and I used to be obsessed with anime…and the Redwall Book series. I also have an undying love for punk and hardcore music,” Weaver laughs. 

Who would be Weaver’s role model for art, music, and life in general?  “Not many that do not sound corny,” Weaver laughs. “My parents, I can honestly say that. To some musicians that probably sounds a little obscure. Some others are, Kid Dynamite, Have Heart, John K. Samson (from the Weakerthans), Toby Morse, and Gwen Stefani, powerful women in general, people who seem sincere, unique, and empowering in their attempts for success,” Weaver explains. 

 Besides art, music, and family, Weaver has some strong morals she holds close to her. Weaver begins to explain, “I’m ‘straight edge’!  This means, I don’t drink, smoke, or do drugs. It’s a weird thing to understand unless you understand its history, the history of the hardcore scene, I guess. It has cost me some friends and won me some, but overall has made an extremely positive influence on my life.” 

All of this talent and ambition is not stuck in just one person however. Weaver begins to talk about her family, “I have a sister, Caroline, who’s 16 and a brother, Colin, who’s 20. All of us happen to be obsessed with music, yet completely different types. Though we all have really different personalities, we all have a super weird sense of humor. We’re weirdo’s,” laughs Weaver.