Musician Among Graduates At NSU Fall Commencement

Talented jazz musician Aaron Hollon was among the graduates at NSU's Fall 2008 Commencement ceremonies.

TAHLEQUAH The year 2008 was huge for Aaron Hollon. The 25-year-old Verdigris High School graduate married his college sweetheart, Kanae, performed numerous times with the Northeastern State University Jazz Ensemble, recorded a CD with his idol, jazz trombonist Robin Eubanks, and was named the 2008 Oklahoma Collegiate Jazz Musician of the Year by the Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association.

And on Saturday, Dec. 20, Hollon completed his undergraduate education at Northeastern State University, graduating with a degree in Jazz Studies. Hollon was one of over 700 students to receive degrees during the three Fall 2008 Commencement ceremonies held in Jack Dobbins Field House.

A local legend for his impersonations of Elvis Presley as a member of the NSU River City Players, Hollon quickly built a reputation as a versatile and talented musician, having not only performed in the annual summer cavalcade and the NSU Jazz Ensemble, but also as a band member with Dr. Arthur White, NSU director of Jazz Studies.

Aaron displays more natural ability than most professionals in the business, said White. Every guest artist we have had at NSU has been genuinely impressed with his talent. That type of praise would be enough for some people. However, Aaron doesn't rest. His passion for jazz drives him to work hard to be his absolute best.

Hollon first picked up the trombone at the age of 12, as a member of the sixth grade band in Glenpool. It wasn't really a choice he said, the green, glitter-covered trombone was the last instrument available.

Hollons talent on the trombone became evident to his music teachers in high school, who nurtured his talent and encouraged him to continually practice.

Ive play a lot of different kinds of music classic, rock I used to listen to rap, but jazz just has the improvisational quality unlike any other musical art form, said Hollon. The ability to instantly compose a solo on stage or in a recording studio just amazes me. Its something that you develop.

With his bachelors degree in hand, Hollon is now considering graduate schools for his masters degree, with a particular emphasis on the University of North Carolina Greensboro or the University of North Texas Denton.

I think the skys the limit for Aaron, said White. He has the potential to do anything he wants in the professional world. He will represent NSU very well.

A complete list of Fall 2008 NSU graduates will be available in January 2008. Watch NSU News for updates.

12/23/2008

Published: 2008-12-23 00:00:00