Sophia Suante - JHHS, Class of 2018
Sophia Suante
Campus: John Horn
Graduation Year: 2018
College: University of North Texas; Bachelor’s degree and Middle Tennessee State University; Master’s degree
Current Occupation: Music Professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Freelance Musician
Sophia Suante’s career in music began at an instrument audition at Berry Middle School, an experience that left her future as a musician uncertain. She auditioned for several instruments and remembers receiving modest scores on most of them, with the exception of tuba and percussion. After being invited back for a second audition, Director John Bingaman saw Suante’s potential and gave her an opportunity that she credits with changing the trajectory of her life. Years later, the lessons she learned in band have carried her from Mesquite ISD to stages and classrooms across the United States and abroad.
Finding Her Rhythm
Suante went on to play the vibraphone, marimba, snare and bass drums in high school and at the collegiate level. Band gave her a place to grow in confidence, discipline and perseverance while learning lessons she still carries with her today. Early morning rehearsals meant learning to show up on time. Caring for an instrument meant accepting responsibility. Hours spent mastering a difficult piece taught patience. And progressing from a student who wasn't always first chair to regularly earning that position taught her that improvement rarely happens immediately.
“Learning something new takes a lot of hours to figure out, but it is very rewarding,” she says. “You just have to keep trying.”
Suante’s time at Horn also allowed her to explore another creative medium through the Advanced Audio/Video Production (AAVP) program, where she was named a finalist in the 2017 MISD Film Festival and participated in the Student Television Network (STN) competition in Nashville in 2018.
From the Classroom to the Concert Stage
Today, Suante is a professional percussionist and educator who has performed and presented music masterclasses throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. Her career has afforded her opportunities to work with prominent musicians and ensembles including Ivan Trevino, Andy Narell and the World Percussion Group. Suante also professionally performs with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Shoals Symphony Orchestra and the Brass Band of Huntsville.
Her career as an educator has included teaching in the DFW and Nashville areas, including at Highland Park and North Forney High Schools. She currently teaches at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Randolph Schools and the Memphis Blues Drum and Bugle Corps as a percussion specialist while continuing her performing career.
When reflecting on her impressive career in music, Suante says it’s been shaped by opportunity and preparation.
“A lot of success is being in the right place at the right time, but most importantly, you have to be ready for it,” says Suante. “The dream job may come tomorrow or in five years, but you better be ready for it.”
Favorite High School Memory
“My favorite high school memory is performing with the Jaguar Band during the 2017 marching season. It was one of the best marching band seasons that led to their first state debut in 2018. Being part of that legacy and working with my peers to achieve something at a high level was very motivating as a student,” Suante adds.
Sophia’s Advice to Students
Suante admits that pursuing a full-time career as a musician can be difficult, but for students who genuinely love the art, the work is worth it.
“If you’re truly passionate about the art form, it is worth the pay off,” she says. “And being kind and respectful to others truly goes a long way for your career.”