Champion High School senior Hayden Billock was one of just 275 high school students selected to participate in The Ohio State University’s prestigious High School Honor Band weekend, held January 31 to February 2, 2025.
“I am so excited to be selected for this event,” Billock shared. “Last year I was an alternate, so being chosen this year is extremely rewarding. I know what the university’s bands can achieve, and it’s such an honor to be a part of it!”
According to their website, The Ohio State University’s High School Honor Band Weekend is one of the longest-running and most esteemed events of its kind. Students in grades 9-12 are invited to campus based on director nominations and video auditions and are placed into one of three bands: the Honors Wind Symphony, the Scarlet Symphonic Band, or the Gray Symphonic Band. Throughout the weekend, participants engage in high-level music-making, with rehearsals, masterclasses, and a culminating concert performance in Weigel Auditorium.
During the event, Billock and his fellow musicians participated in six rehearsals to prepare five concert pieces under the guidance of the university’s band faculty. They also attended a performance by The Ohio State University’s Wind Symphony.
Billock, a tuba player, attributes his success to his high school band teacher, Mr. Derrick Kittle, who encouraged him to switch to the tuba. “Switching to the tuba was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Billock says. “It’s such an expressive instrument, foundational to every ensemble. I’m so grateful to Mr. Kittle for inspiring me to try it—it’s truly been a rewarding experience.”
In addition to being selected for The Ohio State University’s honors band, Billock has performed with several other distinguished groups, including the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) District Honors Band, and honor bands at Youngstown State University, Capital University, Kent State University, and the University of Akron’s Ohio Band Directors Conference.
Along with being a member of the Champion Marching Thunder, Billock also participates in high school musicals and plays and is a member of the Youngstown Youth Orchestra. Looking ahead, Billock plans to attend Youngstown State University after high school to major in music education and pursue a career as a music teacher. He also plans to audition for the university’s Dana School of Music wind ensemble.
Congratulations, Hayden!