Tulsa World: Student musician to be in national band

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Student musician to be in national band
The Sequoyah district saxophonist will perform in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl halftime show.

Travis Self dons a U.S. Army All-American Marching Band jacket presented by Maj. Jason Junkens. Travis, a senior at Sequoyah Public Schools in Claremore, has been chosen to be in the 97-member band. SARA PLUMMER / Tulsa World

By SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer
Published: 10/26/2009 2:20 AM
Last Modified: 10/26/2009 3:46 AM

CLAREMORE — Travis Self, a senior in Sequoyah Public Schools, was surprised when he found out that he had been selected for the U.S. Army's All-American Marching Band.

"I was shocked someone from Claremore would be in it," said Travis, 17.

Even his parents were amazed.

"We were very surprised and very honored," said Libby Self, the teen's mother. "We thought he was deserving. He puts a lot into his music; it's good to be recognized."

His band director, Joe Cernuto, was not so astounded.

"Not in the least little bit," he said. "Travis is a very strong leader and he does it all through action. He's not a screamer, he's not a yeller."

He's also an outstanding musician, Cernuto said.

Travis, who plays saxophone in the marching band, has been selected for All-District and All-County bands. He's been in Sequoyah's band program since fifth grade and the marching band since seventh grade.

The All-American Marching Band, which will have 97 members in all, will perform during the halftime at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, a football game that features the top 90 high school players in the country.

The game and halftime performance is scheduled for Jan. 9 in San Antonio.

Travis was recognized Oct. 15 in front of family, friends and the rest of the marching band when representatives from the All-American Bowl presented him with a jacket and hat.

Only two musicians in Oklahoma were chosen for the marching band. The

other is in Oklahoma City.

"It's getting to be a very big deal. It's getting to be a really prestigious group," much like the football players who are chosen for the bowl game, Cernuto said. "It's really starting to be a collection of the best and the brightest."

Travis said he planned to continue with music after graduation. He wants to get a scholarship so he can participate in a marching band while he's in college.

Earning one of only six saxophone spots in the All-American band can only help him toward that goal, he said.

"I hope so; that's what we're shooting for," he said.

Cernuto said his student's earning accolades and honors such as a spot in the All-American band was never in doubt.

"It will be an extra feather in his cap, but even without it he'd be just fine. He's such a quality musician," he said.

Sara Plummer 581-8465
sara.plummer@tulsaworld.com By SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Few Clothes, America (10/26/2009 10:19:06 AM) Congratulations Travis. It is an honor to be selected for the US Army band. Enjoy!
	Report Comment Travis, Tahlequah (10/26/2009 7:11:37 AM) Congratulations!
	Report Comment SS_Hippy, Tulsa (10/26/2009 7:43:00 AM) Cool!
	Report Comment forkandknife, Tulsa (10/26/2009 9:23:34 AM) Congrats to the kid!

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