Senior Ethan Aubrey-Mitchell is no typical band student. Yes, he plays in the marching band and the jazz band, but that is not where his training ends. Aubrey-Mitchell has been involved in various other music groups that have helped him train for his future in music.

Over the summer of 2013, Aubrey-Mitchell was involved in a group called the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. The group traveled around the nation playing brass and percussion instruments for numerous audiences.

“The audition process for this group lasted three to four months, and I had to commute once or twice a month to Iowa where it is based,” Aubrey-Mitchell said.

The auditions for the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps for the summer of 2014 will begin in November. The audition involves a marching portion and a music audition. Aubrey-Mitchell has already began to prepare.

“I’ve been practicing playing, but I get a lot of practice just by playing in band,” Aubrey-Mitchell said.

Aubrey-Mitchell is also involved in the KC Youth Symphony. He was referred to the KC Youth Symphony director by senior Madison Kerr. The director then asked Aubrey-Mitchell to audition.

“I just got the news yesterday that I made it. They were only taking one tuba player and I got that spot. I’m excited because we will eventually get to play at the Kauffman Center,” Aubrey-Mitchell said.

Although Aubrey-Mitchell is looking forward to his future with these bands, he is also looking forward to pursuing a degree in music in college. Aubrey-Mitchell plans to double major in music education and performance with a minor in business.