On New Year’s morning, while millions of viewers around the world watched the colorful Tournament of Roses Parade on television, Friends Christian School graduate Tyler Black ’17 received the opportunity of a lifetime— to march in the parade along with the University of Utah! Tyler is currently in his first year at the University of Utah and shared that the band played some of their most famous tunes from their catalog during their home games.
The University of Utah marching band marched nearly 6 miles and never stopped playing! Tyler shared that it was definitely one of the hardest things he’s done as a musician! We asked him a few questions about the experience and how his time at Friends Christian School helped prepare him for life beyond.
How has your experience at Friends Christian School impacted you since graduation? “FCS gave me such an amazing platform to practice and share my gifts. I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunities given to me. Without those chances, I likely wouldn’t be drumming as much as I still am.”
The Rose Parade is such an incredible avenue to perform, what impact are you hoping your involvement will have on current FCS students and beyond? “I hope my involvement in the Rose Parade shows the students that following their passions can lead to amazing things! If I knew my hobby could lead to something like this, I would have practiced more!”
What encouragement would you like to send to our current FCS students when it comes to continuing to pursue things you enjoy? “Whatever hobby or pastime you enjoy, hold on to that! Something you enjoy and work hard on can take you to amazing places!”
Congratulations on such an incredible opportunity, Tyler! We are so proud of you!