Champlin Park’s Cody Cramer Leads with ‘Steady, Calm’ Approach
As the old saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” And at Champlin Park High School, the students in the school’s orchestra have been busy learning a complex piece by Beethoven called “Egmont Overture.”
“It’s one of two selections they’ll be performing at the upcoming Northwest Suburban Conference Music Festival.There’s a lot of different dynamics in the way how [Beethoven] kind of makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up,” said Cody Cramer, a Champlin Park senior who plays the cello.
Cramer has played the instrument since the sixth grade. His orchestra teacher, Levi Comstock, calls him a leader among his peers.
“His just very steady and calm, patient approach to life and music really carries over and makes the whole group better,” said Comstock.
That’s no surprise considering that Cramer is used to helping the people around him thrive.
When he’s not rehearsing Beethoven, you can find him on the football field, blocking defenders and helping his offensive teammates play to the best of their ability.
Cody Cramer, wearing No. 55, played on the offensive line for Champlin Park.
“You look at me I’m 5’7″ and extremely undersized for the position,” said Cramer, who plays on the offensive line. “But the coaches, I don’t know what they saw, but they saw something in me that they said I was fast, I was smart, I could learn the plays and go along with it.”
Most importantly, Champlin Park staff members say he’s dependable, both on the field of play and in the classroom.
“He’s this unique child who is able to care about details and getting better, but also celebrate where he is in the moment and be okay with it and just enjoy it,” said Comstock, the orchestra teacher. “I think that’s a big key to what makes him such a big standout student.”
Cramer’s efforts earned him Champlin Park’s Triple ‘A’ Award, which goes to a student who excels in academics, arts and athletics.
It’s a deserving honor for a student who ultimately wants a career in sports medicine where he can help others.
“I love football, I love sports,” Cramer said. “So if I could be a physical therapist, I could still help people.”
However, that’s further down the road. Right now, Cramer still has got a concert to worry about.
Cody Cramer (right) plays the cello for the Champlin Park orchestra.
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Champlin Park High School
