From playing in Nassau Band II to being a member of PHS Studio Band, Worth Rowley ’26 has found music to be a significant part of his life. As a devoted trumpet player, Rowley has continued to develop his skills through rehearsals, performances, and competitions. Being part of PHS’s Studio Band has allowed him to grow as a musician while making friends and becoming part of a tight community. In the future, Rowley plans to continue playing the trumpet at Tulane University and explore the jazz culture there.
What inspired you to play the trumpet?
I started playing in third grade. It was when our school system started teaching with instruments, just at the public schools. But I’d gone when I was really little to some music tryouts [and] a bunch of interesting instruments stuff. And I’d tried it before playing the trumpet, and people were like, “Oh, most people can’t play it the first time, and you could make a note, which is kind of interesting.” So then I was like, I might as well try it. And then I just never stopped playing.
Who is your favorite composer and what is your favorite piece?
This is a jazz standard and it’s called “Joy Spring,” the composer is this jazz trumpeter called Clifford Brown. It’s a really good one, and you can play it on any instrument.
What is your favorite part of playing the trumpet?
Being in Studio Band has definitely been one of my favorite parts of playing the trumpet. I guess I really enjoy the togetherness of the band at the school. It’s fun playing with people, much more than [playing the trumpet] on your own.
How has being in the school’s Studio Band influenced both your performance style and your high school experiences?
Well, I didn’t start in Studio Band. Freshman year I was in Nassau [Band] II, [which is] the third band. But I think over time I just got better through playing with other people. We play all the time [and] practice every day. So it has definitely helped me become a better player. Also, I made a lot of friends through it. A lot of my close friends were in bands, and we get to travel a lot, which is really awesome, and we get a variety of experiences. To some extent, it forces you to be a little professional, because it’s so organized.
What are some memorable moments you’ve had in the Studio Band?
State finals is always a big one every year. This weekend we just won the National Jazz Festival, so that was good, and we also won that last year. But also we have Band Dances in the cafeteria about every month, and it’s always very fun. We get to [have our] families come, and it’s community building.
What are some challenges that you have faced as a trumpet player during your time at PHS?
I would say that auditions are one of the biggest challenges. I didn’t have to audition this year because next year I won’t be in band anymore. But every year during auditions, it’s very stressful, you essentially only get one shot for sight readings. [If] you sight read poorly one time, when the pressure’s high, then you get dropped down a band, or you don’t move up, or something like that. So that’s always stressful, and you have to always prepare for that.
What are your plans for the future as a trumpet player after you graduate?
Next year I’m going to Tulane University in New Orleans, and New Orleans does have very good jazz music, so I’m excited for that. I’m excited to listen, and hopefully play in a big band there. [Tulane University] has a good culture there for music, and I’m excited for that.
What are some pieces of advice you would give to new musicians that are joining PHS Studio Band?
I would say just stick with it. At the start, it’s hard. … I remember last year was my first year in Studio Band. I felt like at the start, the jump from Jazz Ensemble to Studio Band was much bigger than I thought it was. And I felt like I was behind everyone. But after a couple weeks, you do get better playing with better people, and it will be fine at the end.