Biography

Grant began his study of the instrument at age eleven. Coming from a family where musical participation and the pursuit of excellence are deep-rooted, he initially was undecided about his instrument of choice. Then came an experience that not only cemented his decision but set him on a path that would become a passion. In March of 2005 Grant attended a performance by the New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army. He was captivated by the playing of the band’s solo euphonium, Aaron VanderWeele. After that concert Grant announced to his family that he not only wanted to take up the euphonium, but that it was his goal to become “as good as that man”. A day later Grant met Aaron in person and added to his list of ambitions—to become as kind, generous, and caring of a person as Aaron. Not long after that the two became good friends, and Aaron became one of Grant’s greatest musical and personal mentors.

Grant progressed quickly on the instrument and began to attract attention from various musicians and music educators in the Columbus area. Many of these people, such as James Dowdy and Keith Wilkinson, made extra opportunities available to Grant to enrich his school and private lesson experiences. As early as age twelve Grant began to perform and rub elbows with accomplished adult musicians, becoming, as Dr. Paul Droste put it, “a sponge”.

It was also at that time that Grant took up the trombone in order to be able to participate in the school jazz ensemble. Although it is not his primary instrument, he has become a strong jazz trombonist, playing not only in the school band but also selected twice for the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) All-State Jazz Ensemble.

The last few years have been extremely busy for Grant. In the summer 2011 he was named a national winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist competition and enjoyed 6 weeks at the Interlochen Arts Camp as a Fennell Scholarship Winner. While at Interlochen, Grant won the Concerto Competition, the first euphonium player ever to win this prestigious honor. He was featured in the July/August 2011 issue of Brass Band World Magazine, one of the UK’s most popular brass magazines. He is 4-time OMEA All-State Band principal euphonium, the first Ohio musician to ever serve as the first-chair player in their section four consecutive years. In 2012 Grant was named a YoungArts program winner, one of only five brass musicians from all of the United States, and was named as a national semi-finalist for US Presidential Scholars in the Arts. He was also a finalist in the United States Marine Corps Band “President’s Own” Youth Concerto Competition, was the National winner in the Music Teachers National Association Senior Brass Youth Solo competition, appeared on a broadcast of “From the Top” on National Public Radio, and was a finalist in the Leonard Falcone Euphonium competition. In February 2014, Grant received the “best soloist” award at the Welsh Open in Porthcawl, Wales. Later that year Grant was named a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Musician of the Year competition where he was given the opportunity to play alongside famous British Brass Bands such as Fodens band and Grimethorpe Band.

Grant’s solo performances have been on stages throughout the USA as well as England and Wales. He has been featured as soloist with various ensembles including the Fodens Band, Dublin Silver Band, Tongwynlais Temperence Band, Grimethorpe Colliery Band, the Interlochen World Youth Wind Symphony, the Brass Band of Columbus, and the Central Ohio Brass Band

Grant’s primary teachers have included David Childs, Dr. Jeff Keller, Aaron VanderWeele, and Dr. Paul Droste. He has also received instruction from Øystein Baadsvik, Tom Riccobono, Ben Pierce, Dr. James Gourlay, Phil Sinder, Kent Eshelmann, David Zerkel, and others.

Grant is continuing his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales, where he is a pupil of David Childs.

Musicians’ Company Award: Musicians’ Company Award 2016

Page Updated: May 2018