Nearly 500 high school students from across the Southeast flocked to Troy University for the 50th year of the Southeastern United States Honor Bands and Clinic.
SEUS was launched by the School of Music’s namesake, Dr. John M. Long, in 1973. After all this time, students still learn musical skills and form friendships on Troy University’s campus
“I hope that they take back some new or improved musical skills and they can take those skills back to their home bands,” said Dr. Mark Walker, TROY’s Director of Bands. “I hope they take back some friendships and some relationships and kind of a new perspective on playing music and enjoying music with other people.”
Tyler Whitaker, a trumpet player that came with his band from his high school in Georgia to experience his first SEUS. Whitaker explained that SEUS was an experience he will cherish for a lifetime.
“The overall experience was amazing, like it’s something that you never get to do every day,” Whitaker said. “It will be on my record forever.”
Clinicians and guest conductors this year were Dr. Marcellus Brown from Idaho State University, Dr. Dustin Cypher from Eastern New Mexico State University, and Zachary Harris from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Miss.
The students also learned under guest composer and TROY alumnus Tyler Arcari.
Arcari is a composer, arranger, author, and clinician whose music is played around the world. He received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in music education from Troy University where he studied with composer Ralph Ford and Euphonium under Dr. Mark J. Walker. As a teacher, Tyler has taught at both the middle and high school levels. Tyler’s primary focus when writing has been for the young musician.
His music can currently be found published through Excelcia Music Publishing, Wingert-Jones Publications and Carl Fischer Music. His original works have been featured on Bandworld Magazine’s Top 100, All-State programs, as well as numerous state contest lists and events such as the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. As an arranger, Arcari has worked with many high school, university, and community groups as well as for professionals such as Carl Hilding, “Doc” Severinsen and vocalist Holly Shelton.
Currently, Tyler serves as the Director of Music Production and Editing at Excelcia Music Publishing LLC, Wingert-Jones Publications, and RBC Publications.
The John M. Long School of Music Prides itself in being a driving force in music education. For that reason, many of the students in attendance consider coming to Troy University.
“I heard they have a really good program — an amazing program, with amazing people, kind people and a lot of hard-working people,” Whitaker said. “Honestly, it’s on my bucket list. It’ll be one of my top 10.”
