Arts Student of the Week Owen Powers

During his junior year, percussionist Owen Powers played his first homecoming game with the Niwot High School Marching Band, performing alongside the Niwot drumline. "There were hundreds of people lining the football field and all up the hill adjacent to it," Powers recalled. "It was surreal. And on top of that, it was pouring rain, so everyone was getting drenched. Nevertheless, that performance might have been my personal best, and will without a doubt be one that I remember and cherish for the rest of my life."

As a member of the NHS Marching Band, Advanced Symphonic Band, Advanced Jazz Band, the Percussion Ensemble and the Pit Orchestra, Powers has had many opportunities to perform. "Owen is a terrific percussionist who is excited by challenge and absolutely willing to step into any musical situation and contribute," said Wade Hendricks, the Director of Bands at NHS since 2013. "Beyond his percussive skills, Owen is incredibly creative, is passionate about visual art, and is a fantastically positive person."

Hendricks selected Powers as the Arts Student of the Week. "Being a music student at NHS has opened countless doors for me," Powers said. "I met many of my best friends through the music program, and met many more phenomenal musicians." He believes the classes collectively have taught him a great sense of musicianship, communication, and patience. "I am very grateful that I decided to invest myself into such a great program."

In addition to percussion, Powers plays piano, but percussion has been his main instrument for as long as he can remember. He started playing at the age of two, when he got his first drum set. His father is also a drummer - "and a phenomenal one at that," Powers said. "He teaches students locally, and I was able to learn all of the basics with him."

Powers further developed his percussion skills after joining the school band in the fifth grade, working alongside other aspiring musicians for the first time. Other musicians who have influenced his playing include Duke Ellington and Bill Withers. "Some of the best jazz charts I have ever heard have originated from them!"

When it comes to his taste, motivation, and interest in all things musical, Powers always seeks out the songs that make him feel certain ways. Music, he says, is emotional. "Whether it's calming, aggravating, confusing, or saddening, I always tend to gravitate towards music that I feel like I can connect with, or music that tells a story." While he listens to a vast array of music genres, most of the songs he listens to for enjoyment, and those he enjoys playing the most, all have that quality in common.

This year Powers was selected as the drummer for the Pit Orchestra for the NHS Spring musical "Shrek," a position normally reserved for a hired professional. Although he was excited to be chosen, he had also developed an interest in volleyball and trained all fall to make the Niwot boys varsity volleyball team. After spring tryouts he was picked for the team.

Volleyball conflicted with the rehearsal and showtimes for Pit Orchestra, and, as a result, he was not able to participate in the musical. "I will say that for the limited time I was able to participate," he confessed, "it was a fun and positive opportunity and I already know that the show is going to be outstanding!"

In addition to music and volleyball, Powers is interested in computer science. He has taken computer science classes at NHS for three of the four years he has attended. "I love coding and learning about game design and the history of all things technological," he said. He is also fascinated by foreign languages, history, and culture. He has taken great interest in many countries and their cultures, especially Eastern Asian countries.

Overall, Powers says that his experience at NHS has been extremely positive. "Time has flown by at Niwot, which is not something I expected to happen going in. Looking back on the last few years, I can say that I am so grateful for all of the friends, teachers, and staff that are there for me every day, regardless if they might be having a good one or not."

Following graduation from NHS this spring, Powers plans to attend a four-year college. He hopes to pursue foreign communications, with a focus in Japanese, as well as computer science. "I hope to continue to involve myself in the music industry," he added, "whether it's for my future school, or just for fun!"