Senior Aedan Willis at Sheridan High School is a dedicated student and passionate musician. He is preparing to take his final bow before embarking on a new chapter.
Born in Niles, Mich., Willis relocated with his family to the scenic and close-knit community of Sheridan, Wyo. when he was five years old. Willis expresses immense gratitude for the experiences and opportunities he’s had living in Wyoming. “We go to a good school,” said Willis. “We’re very privileged to go where we go, we live in a great town, and we have great education programs,”. He considers Sheridan not just a place to live, but a community that has continuously supported and inspired him.
At SHS, Willis quickly discovered his passion for music. As a member of the jazz band, his dedication and talent propelled him to the position of section leader, where he played a pivotal role in directing his peers and shaping the ensemble’s unique sound.
Willis is also a member of SHS’s show choir Spectrum. In Spectrum, there are very limited spots, so Doyle had to audition to make it into the choir. The group learns music that is above the average choir, usually in the jazz and pop genres. The choir is a highlight of many concerts. They also tour and perform for several of the elementary schools in Sheridan.
Music has been more than just an extracurricular activity for Willis; it has been a formative part of his life. Recently, Willis has started to record his own music and has been playing the guitar for the last four years. This passion has influenced his future aspirations as well. In the fall, Willis plans to attend Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., where he intends to double major in music technology and jazz performance. His dual focus reflects his ambition to not only perfect his craft as a performer but also to explore the technical side of the music industry.
Willis wants to pursue a career in music and plans to use what he has learned in high school and what he will do in college to do so. Although he isn’t completely set on one career path, Willis aspires to be a studio musician, recording artist, audio engineer, and music producer.
These jobs are vital in the music industry because they help create the songs and harness the raw talent that artists present. If Willis was a studio musician, he would want to play guitar for other musicians to help create songs. If he was an audio engineer or music producer, he would have the chance to work with big names and labels to help put a song together, piece by piece.
Beyond his musical achievements, Willis’ high school experience is marked by his positive outlook and enthusiasm. Known among his peers for his willingness to help others, he has been a role model both inside and outside the classroom.
Willis’ teachers have appreciated having Willis as one of their own students and admire the knowledge he possesses. “He has really good street smarts,” said SHS science teacher Jeramy Harthan. “He is very quiet in the classroom, but he always seems to know what’s going on.”
Despite the challenges that often accompany adolescence, Willis looks back at his time in high school with fondness. He has embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and form lasting friendships, making memories that will last a lifetime. The strong sense of community in Sheridan has made these experiences all the more meaningful.
Willis remains optimistic about what lies ahead. He is eager to dive into his studies and immerse himself in the rich musical tradition that Northwest College has to offer. More importantly, he is looking forward to making new connections and continuing his journey as both a student and musician.
As Willis takes the next steps toward his dreams, the Sheridan community eagerly anticipates the successes that await this talented young musician. “I’m excited to see which career path he picks because I feel like he’s going to do good no matter what,” said Harthan. Willis’ journey through high school is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and the enduring impact of a supporting community.
Willis is the son of Judith and Brad Willis.
