Everyone has heard of the ‘band kid’ stereotype- but not everyone knows the incredible dedication it takes to excel as a musician beyond the Liberty band room. 

Freshman Elizabeth Shane demonstrates this passion and dedication perhaps better than anyone else at Liberty. Shane plays the tuba in the Liberty band and Evergreen Philharmonic, an incredibly competitive district orchestra. Not only is she one of few female tuba players, but she is also a freshman.  

“The majority of tuba players are men. There aren’t many of us,” Shane said. 

 As unique as Shane’s experience is, music is where she found her place.

“I guess you could say music chose me. Once I started band in-person, it really started clicking,” Shane said.

Despite the limited time Shane has had to develop her musical abilities, as she started only in sixth grade, her passion has enabled her to transcend her peers. 

Getting into Evergreen Philharmonic isn’t easy. Students wishing to be a part of this elite group have to record four excerpts that test a variety of musical techniques.

With only 68 members, these recordings are compared against musicians from across the district to find the best of the best. Being accepted into Evergreen Philharmonic is a competitive process with many students applying multiple years in a row and not receiving a spot until they are upperclassmen, making Shane’s acceptance even more impressive. 

“In her audition, Liz had excellent technique. The tuba audition is not easy, but she had no trouble at all,” Leah Weitzsacker, the director of Evergreen Philharmonic, said. “You don’t expect that much sound out of an eighth grader. It was really impressive.” 

Once students gain acceptance, though, Evergreen is a haven for advanced musicians. 

“Evergreen is a really chill environment. Once you get in, it’s kind of like a cool kid’s club. You can spend time with people who are like you,” Shane said.

The group creates a unique bond between members, offering students like Shane a place to belong. 

“These are musicians who practice a ton and have taken private lessons for a long time. They spend a lot of time doing music, akin to what someone who does club soccer all year does. It’s that kind of level,” Liberty band teacher Jared Tanner said.

Shane is an example to the students of liberty that when you pursue your passions you will excel. 

“Music is the only thing I can see myself doing. I don’t want to do anything else.”