Aleksander (Aleks) Stevens is a student at SPFHS with a strong passion for music and band. Recently, his dedication paid off as he was accepted into not one but two regional bands: Symphonic Band and Orchestra. This achievement takes the best of high school musicians to accomplish, making Stevens’ success especially impressive.
Stevens began his musical journey in the fourth grade where he discovered his primary instrument: the trumpet. However, his passion truly surfaced in the seventh grade where he started to take music more seriously.
At SPFHS, Stevens’ experience with the music program has been “outstandingly positive.” He describes music as a place where he thrives and how the warm environment shaped him the most as a person.
“I have been given many opportunities that I don’t think I would be able to find in many other departments in the school,” Stevens told The Fanscotian. “I have also been surrounded by people who are always kind and always push each other to be better.”
Being accepted into two regional bands was an ecstatic moment for Stevens, leaving him with a sense of pride for how far he’s developed as a musician. Regional ensembles only allow musicians talented enough to perform at a high, near-professional level. But what does it take to be accepted in regions?
For Stevens, many hours of practice go into preparing all of the necessary components for the audition. Stevens estimates that he spent about 250 hours total, which seems like a lot, however, this practice was spread over months.
“Similar to how cramming for a test rarely works, cramming for an audition does not prepare you at all,” Stevens said. “Besides the mental component of knowing how it goes, you have to physically train your muscles in your face to be able to play the music.”
Besides Stevens impressive work ethic, he credits his peers and family’s support as what contributes most to his success in music. Having these people around him have pushed him to always improve and reach greater heights.
Stevens’ biggest supporter has been the band director, Durand Thomas, which has been a large inspiration for what he wants to be. Thomas has helped mentor Stevens into the player he became, pushing him to try harder material and new skills to increase his ability.
Outside of music, Stevens enjoys spending time biking, cooking and baking. Although he might not be as talented a chef as he is a musician, he finds comfort in these activities.
Through discipline, passion and a strong support system Stevens’ acceptance into two regional bands reflects both his talent and love for music. With this work ethic and passion, Stevens is a prime example of what can be achieved when a student fully commits to their interests.
