By Joylynn Lee
Executive Arts Editor
Junior Whitlow accepted to play the tuba in one of the highest-ranking national bands, Honor Band of America.
Since 1992, the Honor Band of America has earned a prestigious reputation due to performing with phenomenal performing student musicians. They have performed with the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles while also touring internationally in Japan and Europe.
“The audition panel of [Honor Band of America] allowed [contestants] to choose their music,” Whitlow said. “Therefore we could showcase our abilities in whatever ways we saw fit.”
Gordon Whitlow auditioned into the Honor Band of America by choosing his own repertoire. The judge panel chose student musicians who indicated enough musical strength in their audition and provided quality written feedback and evaluation as part of their audition.
“I was super excited to be accepted for such a prestigious opportunity,” Whitlow said. “I’m confident in my abilities and wasn’t all too surprised to see my acceptance.”
Whitlow has been part of Costa’s band since he was a freshman and played tuba for the band ever since. By being a part of Honor Band of America, he partakes in a band containing a 320-piece national ensemble which consists of winds, percussion, flag, and a dance team.
“The audition was sometime a couple of months ago,” Whitlow said. “It’s sometimes easy to forget, but [students] have fun!”
Whitlow has only played the tuba during his 4 years in music. According to Whitlow, he shows immense passion by partaking in several other prestigious bands ranked nationally. He’s part of the Colburn Youth Orchestra, University’s Young Artists Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and California’s All-State Wind Symphony. Colburn Youth Orchestra is one of the most prestigious youth orchestras with a 10% acceptance rate. According to Whitlow, he puts immense effort into practicing to ensure a phenomenal performance during musical events and auditions.
“The greatest enjoyment I find in music is when it can be used as a form of expression,” Whitlow said. “It can also be used to create connections while fostering a community.”
According to Whitlow, he practices hours daily. During the time he practices intensely for an event, he organizes exactly what he practices in order to shape and improve all of his technique in his instrument and rhythmic skills.
“When I’m seriously preparing for an audition, I typically do 1-2 hours of fundamental practice,” Whitlow said. “Then I work another 2-3 hours on excerpts and solos.”
Honor Band of America is one of three national ranked ensembles. These three will perform in the Music for All National Festival, playing alongside with the Honor Orchestra of America, and Jazz Band of America.
“It’s easy to forget the idea of playing for desire for achievement and recognition.” Whitlow said. “To future student musicians, I would recommend that they play for a love of music.”
The Honor Band of America chooses top student musicians, the band will be rehearsing only a couple of days. Whitlow will then be performing at Indiana with the band on Apr. 2 in Indianapolis with practice running from March 31.
“I started playing the tuba at the age of 14,” Whitlow said. “I would probably say that music helped me learn the importance of self expression and connection.”
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