Whiz Kid: Harry Oehler

Perkiomen Valley High School 11^th-grader Harry Oehler—16, of Skippack— at the American Division of the Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Championships. The high school’s jazz band was rated as “superior” at the championships, and it also won for the best trombone section.

• How long have you been a part of the band? How long have you been studying music?

I joined the band in 2004 at age 9. I started studying music locally in 2006 with James Soete, and in the beginning of 2010 began studying with Blair Bollinger (trombonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra). I continue to study with both.

• What instruments do you play?

I play the trombone and the piano.

• What is the best part about being a young musician? What is the most challenging?

The best part about being a young musician is how amazing it is when things come together. Football players can make a good pass or smash heads against each other, but when a group of teenagers are able to put their entire life into a three-minute song and make it beautiful and have audiences on their feet afterward, it is incredible, the feeling when everything else in the world is silent and still, but you can say you are a part of the music that is still going. It is a feeling not many can say they've felt. The most challenging is striving for perfection. Each musician tries to get everything right, and have everything sound great and come off great. But that doesn’t always happen, and sometimes it is really frustrating.

• Describe your emotions and thought process when you were named best soloist.

I was really happy when they called my name. It feels great to achieve something like that. It was right after we were given the best trombone section, too, so the night kept getting better.

• What other honors have you received?

I've gotten four other best soloist awards in the past and received honorable recognition for a jazz solo. I have also been awarded with the John Phillip Sousa award in 2008. I've been recognized before the school board several times for musical achievement for inter-county band, inter-county jazz band, district orchestra/band, and regional orchestra/band. Outside of music, I am an Eagle Scout and have gotten several honors in scouting.

• What advice would you give another young person who was thinking about joining the band or just learning to play an instrument?

The best advice is a question: "Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice." I would tell any younger musician to try their best and enjoy every second of it. If you don't love what you're doing, you're wasting your time. Playing music isn't for everyone, but for those who love it, push and try. The more you play, the happier you will become. Learning an instrument is the best thing I have done in my life. It has taught me to be a leader, to believe in myself, to work with others, and made me an all-around better person.

• Who are your role models?

My role models would be my music teachers, Mr. (Robert) McNaughton, Mr. (Robert) Hagopian, Mr. (Tracy) Griffie, Mr. (Steven) Suloman, and of course Mr. (Dave) Overholtzer (band director). They have helped me through any problem, musical or not. They have shown me how to behave on stage and off and how to do it "well." Other role models would be Billy Joel and Elton John.

• What are your aspirations for the future?

In the future, I would love to attend a music institution and go on to play in a professional orchestra. I would also like the opportunity to teach others my profession.

Do you know a standout local kid? Email Local Editor Ann Cornell with your nominations—ann.cornell@patch.com.