Aiden Jay

Aiden is an 18-year-old incoming freshman at University of Missouri-St. Louis. He started playing music at age eight, playing guitars and other stringed instruments. In middle school, he was introduced to ALL the brass and woodwinds, his favorites being trombone and alto saxophone. Aiden learned to be proficient in nearly every band instrument in high school. Next, Aiden learned to sing, develop perfect pitch, play orchestral strings, intro into percussion and much more. Since his senior year, Aiden focuses primarily on low brass playing, specifically bass trombone and tuba which are his favorites. Aiden is anxiously awaiting his first season at St. Louis Youth Symphony Orchestra. 

Some of Aiden’s finest accomplishments come from the 2023-2024 school year. Aiden auditioned and participated in numerous MSHAA events including: STL All District choir, All-Suburban Band and Jazz Band. He auditioned for the All-State band, Choir and Jazz band. Aiden was selected and chose to play Tuba for the MO All State band which is one of his favorite band memories. In the spring, Aiden participated in District and State Solo and ensemble festivals and earned Gold’s and Silver’s in four different ensembles while winning two Gold’s at state. Besides simultaneous MSHAA events, Aiden participated in his high school marching band, jazz band, symphonic band, pep band, musical pit, orchestra, concert/chamber choirs. In addition, he volunteered to play in the UMSL Wind Ensemble. He will continue to be in the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Choir upcoming at UMSL. 

Aiden would like to thank his directors throughout his years of music so far: William Volk, Mark Thomas, Aaron Jackson, Kimberly Jackson, Elizabeth Schmiedeke, Andrea Huckabay, Alexander Johnson. Honorable mentions go to private tutors: Ron McDaniel, Israel Harris, Doug Bert and Steve Lawson. Special thanks to his parents and grandparents but most importantly is uncle David Jay for introducing him to music. They have all supported him and encouraged him to become who he is as a musician.