November Musician of the Month: Deuce Hurley

Q: What’s your voice part(s) in choir? How long have you been in choir?

A: Bass 2, I started in 8th grade I’ve done it for all 6 years so far.

Q: How many choirs are there? 

A: There are 4 curricular choirs and three extracurricular choirs.

Q: What do you enjoy about being in choir?

A: I’m in choir because it allows me to have a safe place and it helps me experience my personality, it allows me to be creative it’s become such a big part of my life.

Q: What is All-State in choir?

A: All-State is the Iowa top choir for high schoolers, consisting of a 500-ensemble choir. 1,885 seniors auditioned this year.

Q: What was your reaction to making All-State?

A: There was two different times that I got the results, but the first time it was 2 or 3 hours after we auditioned, I was really scared about the results. I was covering my face with a blanket because I was so nervous, the entire time my friends could tell that I was nervous, and I really wanted it. When Mrs. Logan said my name my jaw dropped, I was speechless, and so shocked.

Q: How has this challenged you in your music career? Do you think this has made you a better musician, and why?

A: The journey is definitely better, I wasn’t stressed about All-State, but how can I manage my time between all of them (having a speaking role in Newsies, preparing for SCIBA, show band, All-State choir, All-State for band, and my school education. It challenged how to manage my time.

Q: How do you think your music experience will help you in your future?

A: Music does subconsciously teach me very valuable life lessons. It helps teach me how to be responsible for myself, be accountable, enjoy the little things in life, and how to find the beauty in everything.

Q: Any advice for people who are nervous about expressing themselves musically?

A: Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Be open to other criticism because all musicians are there to help each other and give each other ideas, music is to help with creativity.

Q: Do you have any advice for new musicians coming into high school choir?

A: I’d say if you even like music just a bit, take a chance on it, take a chance on music. Taking chances out of your comfort zone will take you so far.