On stage, the firm tap of drumsticks echoes through the auditorium as talent show auditions begin. For Aiden Ashby, the sound is familiar, almost comforting. It’s the same rhythm that has carried him through many rehearsals, performances, and late-night practice sessions.
Ashby, a junior at Highland, has built much of his high school experience around drums. He didn’t begin playing until halfway through his freshman year, but his passion for music formed quickly. He became interested in eighth grade through a music school, where he began experimenting with drumming. After taking a few lessons at a piano studio, Ashby found himself learning songs by ear on an electronic drum kit.
“After like three lessons, I picked them up on the e-kit and started learning songs by ear,” Ashby said.
An uncle’s influence pushed him further into the world of percussion, inspiring him to buy his own electronic drum kit. Slowly, practice turned into passion.
He often played with Leo Bull, Elliot Helbing, and Jonah Russell and it quickly turned out to be something more.
“Leo played bass, and I played drums, and then Elliot was like, ‘Why don’t we just start a band?’” Ashby said.
That casual moment between a couple of friends sparked what would become a significant part of his high school experience.
When the day of the talent show arrived, Ashby and his band didn’t just perform, they energized the crowd. As the lights dimmed and the first beat hit, the atmosphere in the auditorium shifted instantly. The beat of the music grabbed everyone’s attention which set the tone for the rest of the performance, as students quickly fed off of the band’s energy. The drums drove the performance, giving the song its momentum as the audience responded with cheers, clapping, and visible excitement.
Beyond music, Ashby balances a variety of interests. He is a player on Highland’s baseball team and uses his free time to create content on Instagram.
“I’m a Filmer, so I like recording stuff,” Ashby said.
Still, music remains a constant in Ashby’s life, whether he’s playing solo, collaborating with friends, or performing for an audience.
Ashby’s return to this year’s talent show feels natural. After watching the show as a freshman, he realized he wanted to be apart of it.
“I saw Keifer doing it,” Ashby said. “I felt like I was missing out.”
Last year he auditioned with his band Rhythm Without a Pulse alongside Keifer’s band, and this year, he’s returning with even more experience, and another band added to his lineup.
Drawn to rock music in particular, Ashby thrives on the high energy style of the genre. While auditioning still brings nerves, the excitement outweighs the pressure.
“I had a good time last year, and it’s always fun to play for the school,” Ashby said.
Performing has become something he genuinely enjoys.
Outside of the talent show, Ashby is involved in multiple bands. He plays in jazz band, drumline, Rhythm Without a Pulse, The Big Fat Jazz Cats, and another group formed specifically for the talent show. Balancing rehearsals, schoolwork, performances, and sports isn’t easy, but Ashby makes it work through structured and intentional time management.
“A lot of effort has to be put into [my schedule] to figure out how to fit all of it in,” Ashby said.
His dedication extends far beyond rehearsals. As a member of Highlands drumline, Ashby performs at sports games and school events, contributing to the school’s spirit and music culture. His presence is felt both on stage and in the stands, where his drumming energizes crowds, bringing people together and performances to life.
For Ashby, music is more than just an extracurricular, it’s a form of self-expression. Each performance gives him a chance to connect with people in a different way. Crowd reactions, big or small, emphasize why he continues to play.
Looking ahead, Ashby plans to attend college to study computer science and hopes to continue playing baseball. But no matter where life takes him, music will always remain part of the picture.
“I think it’s going to be something I kind-of never put down,” he said.
Between rehearsals, performances, and everyday life, Ashby’s schedule shows no signs of slowing down as he has found a way to make music a part of who he is. As he moves forward, the rhythm he’s built will continue to follow him, no matter where he goes next.
