The SUU Honor Band is a yearly, selective festival for talented high school musicians arranged by Southern Utah University, located in Cedar City, Utah. All musicians are required to attend two days of rehearsing followed by the actual performance the next day.
This year, eighteen of Shadow’s band members were able to participate in the SUU Honor Band event. Congratulations to freshmen Abel Acosta, Raleigh Hartley, Makayla Brown, sophomores Graham Hay, Connor Dixon, Sawyer Hardy, juniors Justin Anacleto, Jacob Eecklor, Kylan Carlos, Corwin Olave, Abdiel Acosta, Lillian Sparks, and seniors Maxim Gutierrez, Ryder Hardy, Kasen Kramer, Delvin Dennis, Aidan Markham, and Aden Smith. All of those students’ hard work and dedication paid off, earning them a spot in the SUU Honor Band.
Gutierrez has participated in the SUU Honor Band for the past three years. He enjoys the experience he has gotten from it, the environment he’s in, and all of the people he is able to meet. He recommends that others try it out because it is a very fun opportunity.
In order to prepare for his audition, he had to practice for many hours to make sure the music was perfected. Although he found some of the music to be challenging, he persevered no matter what. Not only did Gutierrez pass the audition, he received first chair in the first band which shows how all of his hard work paid off.
Auditions can definitely be nerve wracking at times but it is important to not overthink it.
Gutierrez stated, “Don’t get in your head. When you’re auditioning and you think you’re ready, you already know the music. Now all you have to do is perform it one more time and then never again. There’s nothing to worry about because you’ll already know the music. Also breathe, do not forget to just breathe.”
Eecklor has participated in the SUU Honor Band for the past two years. Eecklor feels that the experience is wonderful. He finds joy and excitement in getting to perform with other students. He believes that performing with others will build and develop one’s musicianship and allow others to learn many things.
Although Eecklor passed the audition, he stated, “If I had put more effort and preparation, I would have definitely gotten a higher chair.
Eecklor also stated, “Some advice I could give about auditioning is to stay calm and to stay cool. Being nervous will only scare you more and hold back your ability to play your best. I had done my audition in the cold so I had to stay calm to shiver because I wanted to play my best. Always believe in yourself, you are the reason you are who you are today, always remember that.”
Although auditioning takes time and preparation, anyone is capable of doing one. Never get discouraged because others may be better. There will always be someone ahead of someone so leave room for the mistakes and grow in the end.
Band director Zach Hartley stated, “The kids had an amazing experience. I would absolutely recommend it to others”
SUU Honor Band is an amazing opportunity to meet new people, gain experience with auditions, and get the chance to perform more.
