Cody Schneider, 16-year-old Foothill High School senior, is living proof of the statement, “Musicians aren’t made, they’re born.”
As a matter of fact, Schneider’s happiest memory occurred at the age of 11, when he received his first bass guitar.
“That’s what I’m going to keep doing the rest of my life,” Schneider said of his passion for guitar playing.
But music isn’t his only love, he found out this year after discovering photography.
“It’s kind of a way to express yourself without saying anything,” he said.
It only fits that when he grows up, Schneider wants to be a musician. But he doesn’t want to play for fame or cheesy commercials. Instead, he wants to make enough money to get by in life.
Schneider revealed, “I’m happy where I am.”
Good thing, too, since the farthest he has traveled was to Wyoming on a family trip when he was just a toddler.
His hero is also of musical descent. Les Claypool of Primus is the bass guitarist, singer and songwriter who Schneider holds in the highest esteem, because Claypool defies musical categories. And if Claypool were a friend of Schneider’s, he’d have to be dependable.
Although Schneider does prefer the occasional solitude, which includes practicing his bass guitar alone two hours a day, his year in fifth-grade showcases his social side. He was the school president and was chosen for the O.D. Williams award, given to the two most outstanding students in the whole school.
However, his dedication to music has not gone unnoticed, either. In the latest Battle of the Bands in Bakersfield, Schneider’s band, Moronix, took fifth place out of 20 bands. Moronix comprises three people and specializes in funk rock.
As for transportation, Schneider worked hard for that, too. He and his dad were able to rebuild the engine of his 1971 Chevy El Camino, complete with paint job.
“Follow whatever you start,” Schneider said, noting that as the best advice he could give anyone.
It has certainly worked for him.