Soaring to the Top on a Strong Foundation
Three years ago, Sage was a trumpet player who never dreamed he’d rapidly rise to become one of the nation’s top high school tuba players. He joined band in fifth grade only because it was required, and chose the trumpet because he enjoyed jazz music. When his band needed a tuba player freshman year, he figured it was “just a bigger trumpet” and volunteered without much thought. “I don’t know why I chose it—I just wanted to raise my hand,” he says. His spontaneous decision quickly paid off; that same year, he won the Minnesota State High School League Solo/Ensemble competition and realized, “Maybe I should actually start practicing more!”
For Sage, the tuba is foundational yet often overlooked. He describes its role as “the gateway passage through the winds and strings,” connecting with both the brass section and the string basses. Sage takes intonation seriously because his accuracy sets the foundation for the entire ensemble. “Because the tuba is so present in every chord, being out of tune is one of the most noticeable things when listening,” he explains. While the tuba isn’t as loud or flashy as the trumpet, it has a crucial presence. Comparing it to rock music, he observes, “You don’t really notice the bass until you take out the bass.” Sage doesn’t mind staying under the radar, as long as there are a few great brass moments and “a chance for everyone else to shine. I like the pieces that feature everyone.” He cites Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis, one of Symphony Orchestra’s current pieces, as a great example of music that highlights every section.
To prepare for auditions at top music schools, including the New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, Sage is immersing himself in excerpts, studying recordings by his favorite professionals, and sending videos to friends and teachers for feedback. “It’s really good to have critics,” he says, viewing critiques as a valuable tool for growth. He is seeking a program that balances rigor with individuality—a place where he will feel inspired without rigid, one-size-fits-all standards. “There can be a thousand people who are impersonating Arnold Jacobs, but then how can you stand out?” he asks. For Sage, finding a professor whose teaching style complements his learning style is his top priority.
Beyond his goal of landing a professional job one day, Sage wants to use his musical career to advocate for the importance of music education. He believes that playing an instrument is one of the best ways to develop consistency and discipline. “When you’re consistent, you improve—and that’s true for almost anything in life,” he says. Sage admires tuba legends like Patrick Sheridan and Sam Pilafian, virtuoso soloists who also advanced music education through teaching and conducting. Sage, too, hopes to inspire future generations and share the transformative power of music, and he is already well on his way. Brent Comeau, Sage’s band director, shares: “Sage is truly a remarkable musician. . . . He is an inspiration to his peers, continually raising the bar with his unwavering commitment and passion for music."
Sage plays tuba in the MYS Symphony Orchestra and is a 12th grader at East Ridge High School. He studies tuba with Jason Tanksley.
