Superintendent’s Artist of the Week: Aiden Woods

NEWS

Superintendent’s Artist of the Week: Aiden Woods

January 31, 2022

Warwick Valley High School senior Aiden Woods started playing the alto saxophone in fourth grade and never stopped. His love for music from a young age has influenced every aspect of his life.

 “As I’ve studied music more in-depth, I’m starting to see how powerful of a force music really is and how it’s connected to so much of our surroundings.” 

Aiden now plays soprano and tenor saxophones and clarinet in addition to alto saxophone. He is also exploring his interests in composition, arranging and sound engineering through the WVHS Studio Music club and through his involvement with Road Recovery, a non-profit dedicated to helping at-risk youth through music and the music industry.

Aiden Woods

Aiden recently had the unforgettable experience of performing with the All-State Symphonic Band in Rochester. He was very excited to be playing in front of an audience again.

“I’m still trying to process it,” Aiden said. “I don’t even really know how to describe it. Performing with other high-caliber musicians to bring pieces of music to life is a rare experience that I am very fortunate to have as a musician. That aspect of being a musician has been lost for the past year and a half or so, for obvious reasons.

“So going from being isolated for such a long time to putting on one of the best performances of my life was almost surreal for me. I can’t stress enough how much I missed live music, especially now that I’m playing and performing at a higher level. I have a much deeper appreciation of it now.”

Aiden has also performed with the Hudson Valley Youth Jazz Orchestra, Area All-State Symphonic Band, SUNY Ulster Jazz Ensemble and the WVHS Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.

“Aiden adds a positive energy to the wind ensemble and jazz ensemble,” said WVHS band director Megan Shafer said. “He is always trying his best, helps his peers, and is a strong leader in the program. His positive outlook and great work ethic will allow him to succeed far in the music world.” 

Aiden is also captain of his local robotics team, a member of the WVHS National Honor Society, and is involved in Debate and Social Awareness Club. He plans to concentrate in Jazz Studies in college.

“I’m excited to be in an environment where everyone is just as dedicated to pursuing music as I am,” Aiden said about studying music in college. “I can’t wait to form bonds with other musicians that will last a lifetime. That’s what music is all about; it’s a social phenomenon. That’s why it’s such a powerful force.”

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