Alumnus returns to serve school’s music program

As a replacement of former band director Jonathan Pwu, class of 2011 alumnus Jason Shiuan will be leading the marching band, as well as conducting the school’s symphonic band, wind ensemble and jazz band.

He describes his job as  “managing our staff, our schedules, and getting ready for competitions, all those administrative duty teaching music helping with the visuals of marching band.”

His main goals for the band this year include matching the standards previous bands have set, and even taking the band to play at the Midwest Clinic, a highly prestigious high school conference where the orchestra performed in last year.

After graduating high school, Shiuan attended  Northwestern University, where he studied musical education and saxophone performance. Later, he volunteered at an impoverished school in India, teaching students various musical instruments including the piano, drums and guitar.

Shiuan changed much from his experience in India because he realized how the underprivileged students there were so appreciative of everything.

“I learned not to take anything for granted as a teacher and also someone who is learning as well,” Shiuan said. “I learned to work with people with different backgrounds and learnings. I’m trying to apply it here that [lesson].”

As an alum of the school, Shiuan also avidly participated in the school’s marching band as a drum major. He explained that the amiable atmosphere of the school makes him feel like he never left, as the school feels like home.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive and a great team to help me transition in,” Shiuan said. “It’s funny to see old teachers I had as a colleague.”