Provo High School Bands

05/18/2020

Senior Spotlight

Name and instrument:
Alyssa Jarvis—Piano (and flute occasionally)

Elementary School(s) Attended:
Amelia Earhart Elementary

Middle School(s) Attended:
Dixon Middle School

High School(s) Attended:
Provo High

Provo Music Classes:
Jazz Band

Non-musical activities:
Dance Company, Golf

Favorite memory/memories of Band?:
Some of my favorite times in band have been jamming out with the rhythm section during sectionals. Another memory was the snow college trip jazz band took. Another favorite memory was when the analogy of the saltine was created my freshman year, and sharing it each year with the rhythm section.

How has being in the PHS Band Program affected your life?:
I’ve made many new friends that I wouldn’t have been able to make if I hadn’t been in band. It’s helped me grow to love different kinds of music, and appreciate musicians more knowing how difficult playing can be. Being in band helped me pull out of my shell and become more confident in my playing and myself. I pushed myself in band and grew to become a better musician and person.

What are your short-term plans after graduation?:
I am planning to go to BYU in the fall, and then serve and lds mission after a year of school.

What are your long-term plans?
I hope to major in bioinformatics and then become a mom and have kids.

Do you have any words of wisdom for returning members?
Some days can be harder than others, but always give 110% effort. Even when things get tough it always feels better to give it your all than to just do things halfway.

05/18/2020

We are ready to see our seniors tomorrow!!!

05/15/2020

Provo Band Class of 2020 Senior Spotlight:

Name and instrument:
Mercer Knowlton, Percussion

Elementary School(s) Attended:
Lakeview elementary

Middle School(s) Attended:
Dixon middle school

High School(s) Attended:
Provo high school

Provo Music Classes:
Percussion, & concert band

Extracurricular music activities:
Impact Percussion & Horizon Percussion

Non-musical activities:
Video Production, Cooking, Computer Programming, & Graphic Design

Favorite memory/memories of Band?
I love when we are just talking and hanging out on the bus or in the hotel or even when we are just on the field waiting for instructions

How has being in the PHS Band Program affected your life?
Band has affected me by helping me work hard even when I want to give up. It’s helped me learn that I can face adversity and become better instead of becoming less.

What are your short-term plans after graduation?
I plan to spend a year at Utah Valley University, studying psychology. I also plan to participate in the UVU Greenman Group. During this time I look forward to coming back to help the Drumline at Provo high.

What are your long-term plans?
After a year at college, I’m going to serve a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following my Two year Mission and College, I plan to work as a licensed marital and family therapist.

Do you have any words of wisdom for returning members?
Enjoy the small moments with your friends, take time to recognize where you’ve come from, & where you’ve been. And remember, the moment something hard becomes easy is the moment you stop progressing.

05/14/2020

Senior Spotlight:

Name
Brandon Sol

Instruments
Bass Clarinet, French Horn, Trombone Bass Drum and Electric Bass

Elementary School
Lakeview Elementary

Middle School
Dixon Middle School

High School
Provo High School

Provo Music Classes
Provo Marching Band, Provo Wind Symphony, Provo Advance Jazz Band, Provo Percussion

Extracurricular Music Activities

Non-musical Activities
Freshmen Mentor, Vice President (President of Smash) in eSports, Debate Team

Favorite memory/memories of Band?
The obvious one would be winning state which is hands down my favorite memory but for this case I will have to go with Junior year on the way back from Tuacahn. We were so tired to the point where the slightest thing we found so funny. What I really loved about that is that people that normally didn't talk to each other just bonded like they've been best friends their whole life. I still remember how much my stomach hurt from all the laughing and it was overall such an amazing experience that can only truly be felt with those that you've spent so much time with.

How has being in the PHS Band Program affected your life?
Being in the Provo High Band is easily the best 4 years of my life.I already had a love for playing music but I still felt something missing. That thing was a drive to improve not just on my instrument but as a musician overall. In middle school I never really felt challenged so for the most part I was really bored. That all changed when I joined the PHS Band and has easily been the best decision I've ever made. I can happily graduate knowing I'm a much better person and made endless memories because of band. I truly hope I have left my legacy not only with the current members of the band but the band in general. I do not think I will ever be able to repay everything the band and Mr. Nix has done for me and hope this amazing program stays for generations to come.

What are your short-term plans after graduation?
My two main short term goals is to keep studying and keep playing music. I am not too entirely sure what I want to study, I've shown some interest in the medical field but as time went on I'm not too sure anymore. Regardless of what I decide on I plan to keep studying because I genuinely enjoy learning about new things. As for music I don't care where life takes me, I will forever play music maybe even mess around with composing a piece. Music has become such a huge part of my life that it'd be an actual crime to just leave it behind so no matter what happens, music is staying in my life. This is more of a mid term goal but I also plan to improve in my eSports career. My goal is to reach the top ten in the state and from there secure the number 1 spot. The game I play is Super Smash Bros Ultimate and I feel with enough practice, I can achieve that. I held the number one spot between both Provo High and Timpview and I plan to take it further.

What are long-term plans?
My long term plans are well.. I don't really know. I've lived my entire life based on what's happening at the moment, adapt and go from there. I personally really enjoyed living like this because that is one of my best traits, adaptability. The only real long term goal I have is to travel and see the world. I want to explore what our wonderful world has to offer. If possible I'd like to travel with friends and loved ones because friends and family mean the world to me. Other than that yeah I just want to continue living a happy life, full of friends, family and life changing experiences.

Do you have any words of wisdom for returning members?
Learn to love. Love in my eyes is the most important thing in the world. Find your own way of showing love and share it with the world. Always cherish friendship. Having friends makes all the difference in the world and will have a huge impact on you. If you're reading this right now, take a moment to smile. Enjoy how much happier you feel just by using some muscles in your mouth. Lastly the lesson I hold closest to my heart. It's short and simple but has impacted me the hardest and is what makes me the person I am today. "Don't forget to thank your Lucky Star".

05/13/2020

Senior Spotlight:

Name and instrument:
Camille Hoffmann, and I play Trumpet!!

Elementary School(s) Attended
Lakeview Elementary

Middle School(s) Attended
Dixon Middle School

High School(s) Attended
Provo High Schoooooool!

Provo Music Classes:
Band!

Extracurricular music activities:
Marching band, Wind Ensemble, and JAZZ BAND

Non-musical activities:
Haha, I’m a nerd, so marketing? Economics? Hope Squad! Um…. ceramics?

Favorite memory/memories of Band?
TOUR! I loved hanging out with all of my friends--nothing in my life will ever feel like that.

How has being in the PHS Band Program affected your life?
First day of band camp, my life was already changed. Band has such a nostalgic feeling, and I absolutely love it. I made so many close friends, and I know I will stay friends with them for years to come. I have become a natural leader thanks to band, and I will use that skill for the rest of my life.

What are your short-term plans after graduation?
I am going to UVU to learn more about filmmaking! I’m going to continue filming youtube videos (camilles curls is my channel!) and I will maybe move out? Get a cute lil’ apartment? Hopefully see my friends after quarantine!!

What are your long-term plans?
DON’T LAUGH! I really want to become a big youtuber, and I already know you think that’s highly unlikely, but hey, you can’t hate me for dreaming! I want to live in a very comfortable home full of plants and animals, maybe get married?? Travel a TON and just have fun! Party, Drink non-alcholic bevarages ;) and be merry!

Do you have any words of wisdom for returning members?
Honestly, I can’t help but sound like a broken record… cherish your friends and your memories. You won’t realize you’re in the good old days until it’s too late! Swim in the pool at tour with your friends, wink at the cute boy (DON’T MAKE DRAMA THOUGH OH MY GOOOOOOSH). Really, band drama is not worth it: it’s always about relationships and who likes who-- it gets old real quick. Instead of focusing on drama, focus on having fun and making incredible music :)

05/12/2020

Name and instrument:
Claire Whipple Colorguard, Sabre line

Elementary School(s) Attended:
Provo Peaks and CAS

Middle School(s) Attended:
PUPs

High School(s) Attended:
Kunsthimoria Sint Lucas and Provo High School

Provo Music Classes:
Concert, Symphonic and Chamber orchestra, as well as Concert Choir

Extracurricular music activities:
Marching band, 5 years strong 😁, and The Battalion 2019

Non-musical activities:
President of NAHS, and six years of gymnastics/tumbling.

Favorite memory/memories of Band?
I have so many. But probably the feeling right after the music stops and I'm holding it for a second, whatever pose it is, and I'm breathing super hard and looking at my drum major to release me while the crowd is cheering. I've been through it more times than I can count and it's still the best feeling in the world.

How has being in the PHS Band Program affected your life?
I don't really know how to respond to this because I have no way of knowing who I would be if it weren't for Marching band. It's made all of the friends and connections I have now possible, and given me a purpose and a family. I can't imagine what my life would be like without it and I frankly don't want to.

What are your short-term plans after graduation?
I'm attending BYU in the fall, and I don't know what major but I think I'll figure it out. I'm also joining the Orem marching band as a member of the Colorguard staff so I'll hopefully keep watching Provo at competitions and cheering you on. I also plan on spinning with Wasatch Independent in the 2021 winter season and Boston Crusaders in DCI 2021.

What are your long-term plans?
After I get my bachelor's degree I want to get my MD for trauma and emergency care. I plan to continue spinning in independent colorguards and teaching new students to love the sport.

Do you have any words of wisdom for returning members?
Don't waste time being unhappy about rehearsal, or the show, or your part, and don't waste time sitting out if you can help it, because sometimes you break your thumb and there's nothing you want more than to perform on that field and give everything 110%.

05/11/2020

Senior Spotlight:

Name and instrument:
Kolby Johnson, Color Guard

Elementary School(s) Attended
Westridge Elementary

Middle School(s) Attended
Dixon Middle School

High School(s) Attended
Provo High School

Provo Music Classes:
Color Guard

Extracurricular music activities:
Marching Band and Winter Guard

Non-musical activities:
Mechanics, shooting, video games

Favorite memory/memories of Band?
State Championship for band and color guard

How has being in the PHS Band Program affected your life?
It's shown me discipline and leadership skills also how to work on a team

What are your short-term plans after graduation?
Work and prepare for college

What are your long-term plans?
Go to college and start my own auto repair shop

Do you have any words of wisdom for returning members?
Keep your grades up and listen to Nix

05/10/2020

05/09/2020

Congrats to our very own Alyssa Jarvis!! Way to go!!!

05/08/2020

Name and instrument:
Chase Clark, Tenor saxophone

Elementary School(s) Attended:
Timpanogos Elementary

Middle School(s) Attended:
Dixon Middle School

High School(s) Attended:
Provo High School

Provo Music Classes:
Band/orchestra

Extracurricular music activities:
Marching Band

Non-musical activities:
Autos, Metals, and woods

Favorite memory/memories of Band?
Sophomore year marching band at prelims in vegas when the seniors started crying because we got them to finals

How has being in the PHS Band Program affected your life?
It has given me a giant family that is willing to help me in any way they can

What are your short-term plans after graduation?
Get a full time job

What are your long-term plans?
Start school at mtech (Diesel Mechanics)

Do you have any words of wisdom for returning members?

Enjoy the time you have in band while you still can because you never know when it's going to end

05/06/2020

We would like to welcome our new Color Guard Director:

Erin Murdock grew up outside of Chicago and fell quickly in love with spinning with the Steperette Cadets when she began in 4th grade. When her parents made the decision to move to the Philly suburbs they searched for a high school with a color guard and so Erin graduated from Radnor High School as a captain of the Radnor Color Guard. Erin is in her 3rd year at Brigham Young University, studying Mathematics Education, and her closest friends at the school are those from the BYU Marching Band! She also performed with Wasatch Independent Open Guard for the 2017 and 2018 winter seasons, since then has been on a hiatus from guard due to her mission to New Zealand, but could not be more excited to return to the sport of the arts with the Provo Marching Band!

05/06/2020

Provo Band Class of 2020 Senior Spotlight Questions

Name and instrument:
Stephanie Paul Colorguard Saber Line

Elementary School(s) Attended
Timpanogos Elementary

Middle School(s) Attended
Dixon Middle School

High School(s) Attended
Provo High

Provo Music Classes:
Marching Band/ Colorguard, and Symphonia Orchestra

Non-musical activities:
Yearbook

Favorite memory/memories of Band?
There are so many that it's hard to choose. If I had to pick one it would be the bonding moments with all of the band members. All of the silly moments on the field, the ones where we wanted to quit, or even give up. But the times we were so happy we just couldn't hold it in were some of the really fun moments. Like when you finally did the hit right, being able to do whatever crazy things things the directors and staff would throw at us, or just being happy to be there. It felt like we really got to see a side of people that most others don't get to see. Because no matter what was going on, at the end of the day we were a family.

How has being in the PHS Band Program affected your life?
I have become way more confident in what I do, and my communication skills have become better. Another thing would be my ability to trust others around me on what they do and why they do it. And last it would be the train ride lesson Nix has taught all of us every year.

What are your short-term plans after graduation?
Work to make some money before I go to college. Maybe come and visit the band every now and then.

What are your long-term plans?
I plan on going to SUU this fall semester. I want to major in business and minor in either linguistics, photography, or graphic design.

Do you have any words of wisdom for returning members?
Give it your all every time no matter what. I know it's something we always say, but it's really true. Because when you have something taken away from you so suddenly, and your "last lime" was something you didn't give 110% too, it really weighs down on you. Also get good grades because you won't be able to be in this amazing program if you're failing your classes. And lastly really get to know each other. Because not only will it make you stronger as a team, but you'll make connections that will last a lifetime with each other.