Article Contributed on: 12/29/2008 10:52:54 AM
When half-time at the U.S. Army All-American High School football game begins on Jan. 3, Evergreen resident and Lakewood High School senior
Zachary Cheatham will be there, marching as first alto saxophone in the 97-strong U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.
The only Colorado student selected to perform, Zack will travel to San Antonio, Texas, all-expenses paid, to rehearse for 4 days prior to the half-time performance on Jan. 3. The event will be televised by NBC beginning at 11 a.m. MST and is sponsored by the U.S. Army, Sportslink and the MENC (Musical Educators National Conference).
Zack's instrumental music education began in 5th grade, first studying privately with Mr.
Don Stuggart and then Mr.
Caleb Starbuck. Performing in concert and jazz bands in middle school led to auditioning with Colorado Honor Band beginning in 8th grade and continuing to this day. At Lakewood High School Zack has played in marching band, symphonic orchestra, jazz band, symphonic band and pit orchestra, as well as serving as saxophone section leader for 3 years. He has performed yearly at Jefferson County's Solo and Ensemble festival and has been selected for All-County Honor Band and All-County Jazz Band for the past two years. In March 2008, he performed with the Colorado All-State Symphonic Band at the University of Northern Colorado.
Zack's college plans involve instrumental music education and saxophone performance.While he enjoys all his musical endeavors, marching band has always been very special to him. Stepping out onto the Alamodrome field may wellbe the crowning achievement of Zack's high school musical career.