The audition that sealed the deal for Hughes '24
Register for a music scholarship audition by Feb. 13
Auditioning for an Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø music scholarship as a high school senior was the first step for Jack Hughes ¡®24.
¡°I participated in a jazz ensemble my last two years of high school, and it reignited my excitement for music,¡° said Hughes, from Lubbock, Texas. ¡°So when I started deciding on colleges, I knew I needed one where I could participate in the music program.¡±
For a student interested in environmental science, or possibly pre-law, participating in music was not a given at every school. So he had to find the right one to support all his passions.
¡°As long as I have the opportunity to play and have a good time, I know it will enhance my problem-solving skills in whatever field I end up in,¡± Hughes said. ¡°I could never see myself not playing the bass.¡±
When he attended his audition in person last winter, Hughes realized right away Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s program was not what he expected.
¡°This isn¡¯t your normal music program,¡± he said. ¡±It¡¯s a very constructive environment. The faculty are the kindest people, and everyone is very goal-oriented.¡±
In fact, when he traveled to the Quad Cities from Texas, he couldn¡¯t bring his bass. So he borrowed one from a current student. And her bow.
He now has the orchestra director¡¯s phone number saved in his phone ¡ª the same director who sat in on his music audition.
As a member of the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Chamber Orchestra and a jazz combo, Hughes looks forward to his days in Bergendoff Hall each week.
¡°The time when I¡¯m playing music allows me to push away other schoolwork,¡± he said. ¡°I can decompress, socialize with music students and focus on a creative side of myself that doesn¡¯t always show during my regular coursework.¡±
His advice to students considering an audition? ¡°Pick a piece you love to play. Don¡¯t show off with accuracy¡ªpick something you¡¯re passionate about. The people in the audition room will see that passion.¡±