Celebrating the Graduates of Sunburst
As the school year comes to a close, we take a moment to honor and celebrate the talented students who are graduating from high school and college at Sunburst School of Music. These remarkable individuals have not only excelled academically but have also contributed their unique musical talents to the Sunburst community. It is with great pride and admiration that we present profiles of three outstanding students who are ready to embark on the next phase of their journeys.
Nolan Heilman: A Rising Star in the World of Music
Nolan Heilman, a graduating student from Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School, has left an indelible mark on the Sunburst School of Music. Nolan's passion for music and dedication to honing his craft has earned him a place at The University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, where he will pursue a B.M. in Popular Music with a focus on songwriting. He has truly set the stage for a promising career.
Notable accolades adorn Nolan's musical journey, including being named a 2023 National Young Arts Finalist in Voice-Singer/Songwriting. His remarkable talent was showcased at the prestigious National Young Arts Week in Miami, Florida, where he captivated audiences with his heartfelt performance. Nolan's YoungArts performance video is a testament to his artistry and unwavering dedication.
Nolan owes much of his success to the remarkable instructors at Sunburst School of Music. He acknowledges the influential guidance he received from Mike Meiers, his first songwriting instructor, Shane McLaughlin, his guitar and songwriting mentor, Chloe Wieczoric, his house band instructor, and the talented Fin and Gabriel, his guitar, production, and band instructors. They have played an instrumental role in shaping his musical journey from its humble beginnings at Sunburst.
Damian Davila: A Visionary in Visual Storytelling
Damian Davila, a recent graduate from Montour High School, is a true visionary when it comes to visual storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for cinematic expression, Damian has honed his skills in music production under the guidance of Fin Haggerty-Hammond.
Embracing the intricacies of sound and the power of visuals, Damian has thrived in the realm of music production. His dedication and unwavering commitment to his craft have prepared him for the next phase of his artistic journey. With a focus on cinema and photography, Damian is poised to make his mark in the world of visual storytelling.
As Damian sets out on his future pursuits, his passion for broadcast studies will undoubtedly fuel his creativity and drive. Through his unique vision and artistic talents, he aims to captivate audiences with compelling narratives and evoke profound emotions. Damian's journey at Sunburst School of Music has provided him with a strong foundation to explore the realm of visual storytelling, making him a promising force in the industry.
We applaud Damian for his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, we eagerly anticipate the breathtaking stories he will bring to life through his artistic prowess and passion for visual storytelling.
Shane Cranor: An Honorable Mention and Pioneer of Sunburst School of Music
Shane Cranor's musical journey with Sunburst School of Music is one that resonates with the spirit of perseverance and dedication. As one of the original students over 11 years ago, Shane's contributions to Sunburst and his unwavering passion for music deserve special recognition.
Having been one of the first bass students at Sunburst, Shane's talent and commitment laid the foundation for what would become a thriving community of musicians. He played a vital role in "The Electric Army" band and served as the bassist for the initial iterations of the Sunburst House Band. Additionally, Shane expanded his musical horizons by exploring music production and drum lessons during his time at Sunburst.
Although Shane is no longer an active student with Sunburst, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of music education. Many of his former instructors, including Mikey, Ben R., Shay, and Chloe, have moved on to pursue other careers, but their influence on Shane's musical development remains deeply cherished.
As Shane moves forward in his professional pursuits, graduating with a degree in Computer Science from the Colorado School of Mines, we applaud his commitment to combining his passion for music and technology. His role as one of the original students at Sunburst exemplifies the lasting impact and enduring legacy that Sunburst School of Music has had on countless aspiring musicians throughout the years.
As we celebrate the graduating students of Sunburst School of Music, we honor the remarkable achievements of Nolan Heilman, Damian Davila, and Shane Cranor. These individuals exemplify the spirit of dedication, talent, and artistic growth fostered by the Sunburst community. Their journeys are a testament to the transformative power of music education and the unwavering support of exceptional instructors. As they embark on new chapters in their lives, we salute their accomplishments and eagerly await the extraordinary contributions they will undoubtedly make in their respective fields.
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2023 at Sunburst School of Music! We wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter.
