Celebrating the Graduates of Sunburst

June 9, 2023

As the school year comes to a close, we take a moment to honor and celebrate the talented students who are graduating from high school and college at Sunburst School of Music. These remarkable individuals have not only excelled academically but have also contributed their unique musical talents to the Sunburst community. It is with great pride and admiration that we present profiles of three outstanding students who are ready to embark on the next phase of their journeys.

Nolan Heilman: A Rising Star in the World of Music

Nolan Heilman, a graduating student from Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School, has left an indelible mark on the Sunburst School of Music. Nolan's passion for music and dedication to honing his craft has earned him a place at The University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, where he will pursue a B.M. in Popular Music with a focus on songwriting. He has truly set the stage for a promising career.

Notable accolades adorn Nolan's musical journey, including being named a 2023 National Young Arts Finalist in Voice-Singer/Songwriting. His remarkable talent was showcased at the prestigious National Young Arts Week in Miami, Florida, where he captivated audiences with his heartfelt performance. Nolan's YoungArts performance video is a testament to his artistry and unwavering dedication.

Nolan owes much of his success to the remarkable instructors at Sunburst School of Music. He acknowledges the influential guidance he received from Mike Meiers, his first songwriting instructor, Shane McLaughlin, his guitar and songwriting mentor, Chloe Wieczoric, his house band instructor, and the talented Fin and Gabriel, his guitar, production, and band instructors. They have played an instrumental role in shaping his musical journey from its humble beginnings at Sunburst.

Damian Davila: A Visionary in Visual Storytelling

Damian Davila, a recent graduate from Montour High School, is a true visionary when it comes to visual storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for cinematic expression, Damian has honed his skills in music production under the guidance of Fin Haggerty-Hammond.

Embracing the intricacies of sound and the power of visuals, Damian has thrived in the realm of music production. His dedication and unwavering commitment to his craft have prepared him for the next phase of his artistic journey. With a focus on cinema and photography, Damian is poised to make his mark in the world of visual storytelling.

As Damian sets out on his future pursuits, his passion for broadcast studies will undoubtedly fuel his creativity and drive. Through his unique vision and artistic talents, he aims to captivate audiences with compelling narratives and evoke profound emotions. Damian's journey at Sunburst School of Music has provided him with a strong foundation to explore the realm of visual storytelling, making him a promising force in the industry.

We applaud Damian for his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, we eagerly anticipate the breathtaking stories he will bring to life through his artistic prowess and passion for visual storytelling.

Shane Cranor: An Honorable Mention and Pioneer of Sunburst School of Music

Shane Cranor's musical journey with Sunburst School of Music is one that resonates with the spirit of perseverance and dedication. As one of the original students over 11 years ago, Shane's contributions to Sunburst and his unwavering passion for music deserve special recognition.

Having been one of the first bass students at Sunburst, Shane's talent and commitment laid the foundation for what would become a thriving community of musicians. He played a vital role in "The Electric Army" band and served as the bassist for the initial iterations of the Sunburst House Band. Additionally, Shane expanded his musical horizons by exploring music production and drum lessons during his time at Sunburst.

Although Shane is no longer an active student with Sunburst, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of music education. Many of his former instructors, including Mikey, Ben R., Shay, and Chloe, have moved on to pursue other careers, but their influence on Shane's musical development remains deeply cherished.

As Shane moves forward in his professional pursuits, graduating with a degree in Computer Science from the Colorado School of Mines, we applaud his commitment to combining his passion for music and technology. His role as one of the original students at Sunburst exemplifies the lasting impact and enduring legacy that Sunburst School of Music has had on countless aspiring musicians throughout the years.

As we celebrate the graduating students of Sunburst School of Music, we honor the remarkable achievements of Nolan Heilman, Damian Davila, and Shane Cranor. These individuals exemplify the spirit of dedication, talent, and artistic growth fostered by the Sunburst community. Their journeys are a testament to the transformative power of music education and the unwavering support of exceptional instructors. As they embark on new chapters in their lives, we salute their accomplishments and eagerly await the extraordinary contributions they will undoubtedly make in their respective fields.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2023 at Sunburst School of Music! We wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter.

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Sunburst News - September 2025

September 1, 2025

Catch up on Sunburst’s latest news: The Sunburst Band Program, Music Together classes, community drum circles, free music classes, new instructors, and upcoming concerts!

Sunburst News - August 2025

August 1, 2025

August- Issue #96

5 Reasons to Start Playing in a Band

July 30, 2025

As summer break comes to a close, we’re gearing up for the next term of the Sunburst Band Program and would love to see some new faces this fall. Playing in a band is one of the best ways to progress as a musician, so we put together a list of five reasons why we encourage our students to seek out opportunities to play in groups—whether it's starting a band or jamming with a couple of friends. Progress Your rhythm, timing, and listening skills improve quickly when you start playing in a band or group setting. While private lessons and solo practice are essential pieces of the puzzle, playing with others introduces new variables—like tempo changes, dynamics, and coordination—that challenge you to stay in sync with your bandmates and adapt to each other. We’ve seen so many students level up after just a couple months in the Sunburst Band Program–the progress happens fast! Friends and Connections We love watching our students and their families become friends and our band program has been a natural starting point for many of those relationships. Some of our current bands have stayed together for years, and it's awesome to see them hang out outside of lessons and support each other at shows. Plus, one of the best ways to get gigs is through connections with other musicians! Motivation Playing in a band is super motivating because you're part of a group working toward an exciting shared goal. Whether you're learning a new song, building a set list, or getting ready for a show, the process becomes more exciting and rewarding when you're making music you love with people you enjoy being around. That shared energy turns practice into something much more fun and meaningful. Performing Performing can be nerve-wracking, but it gets easier the more you do it, and being on stage with your friends makes it less scary. We love seeing how our students' stage presence and confidence grow with each performance—it’s one of our favorite parts of being teachers! As we mentioned, shows are a great place to make connections with musicians who you’d like to collaborate with in the future. Simply put, playing more shows leads to playing more shows. Creative Outlet Music is a powerful tool for expression, and it’s important to have outlets for that at any age! Life is very fast paced for many of us, and it can be tough to pause and do the things you enjoy. Band practice can be a consistent anchor in your week—something you can rely on for connection, processing, and creating with your bandmates. As corny as it sounds, playing music is good for your spirit! If you’d like to know more about the Sunburst Band Program, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information. We also recommend talking with your private lessons instructor so that they’re aware and can help you prepare.