At first glance, music and sports might seem like worlds apart. One fills the air with melody, precision, and harmony; the other is about agility, competition, and strategy. But for Brennen Heaver, an eighth-grader at Shepherd Middle School, the two are more alike than they seem.

Brennen’s story is one of movement—in sound, in sport, and in life.

Next year, he will take the next big step in that journey as he enters high school, eager for new challenges, fresh opportunities, and the chance to grow into the performer he hopes to become. Music is more than an extracurricular for Brennen—it’s a calling. And while he may not know exactly what the future holds, one thing is clear: the rhythm of his life is leading him somewhere remarkable.

Brennen’s love for music began in the fifth grade, when students were given the chance to choose an instrument. Lined up before him was a collection of brass and woodwinds, each waiting to be tested. Some students gravitated toward flutes, clarinets, or trumpets. Brennen? He chose the trombone.

“I tried a woodwind,” he recalls, “but I just didn’t like it as much as the brass.”

That decision, made in an instant, would become a defining part of his identity.

Ottawa’s music programs are widely recognized as some of the strongest in the state, and Brennen takes pride in being part of that legacy. Band isn’t just about playing notes on a page—it’s about unity, precision, and shared purpose. He describes the experience of performing with a group as something almost transcendent.

“You feel as one with the rest of the band,” he explains. “The music flows together, and it’s just a great experience.”

That sense of togetherness is something he’s eager to build on in high school, where he looks forward to playing alongside upperclassmen who will push him to new levels of musicianship.

Music isn’t Brennen’s only passion. He is also a multi-sport athlete, competing in soccer, swimming, and cross country. But if you ask him to compare these pursuits, he’ll tell you that the difference isn’t as big as you might think.

“Soccer is about making plays, knowing where your teammates are, working as a unit to move the ball down the field,” he explains. “Band is the same in a way—you have to be in sync with the rest of the group, adjusting in real time to create something great.”

Both demand discipline, teamwork, and awareness of the people around you. Both require you to trust those alongside you to execute a shared vision. Whether he’s setting up a pass on the soccer field or watching the conductor’s baton for a tempo shift, Brennen thrives on collaboration.

That love of connection extends beyond sports and band—it’s part of how he sees school as a whole. Looking back on his time in Ottawa’s school system, he recognizes the impact certain teachers have had on him, especially his sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Scutt.

“She really helped me become who I am today,” he says, reflecting on the role educators have played in shaping his confidence and ambitions.

With high school on the horizon, Brennen is already thinking about what comes next. He dreams of a career in music performance, honing his skills and finding new ways to express himself through sound.

Impressively, Brennen earned a spot as a featured soloist with the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra (IVSO) when he auditioned and won the Jr. Division Competition. He will be playing Morceau Symphonique by Guilmant, accompanied by the symphony in several concerts this spring. “It was a really fun piece to play,” he says, proud of the progress he’s made as a musician. He was also nominated by Mr. Czernicki for a spot in the IVCC Honors Band and was chosen to play in that band also.

Brennen credits Mr. Czernicki for “always being the person who believes in him.” He noted that he continues to challenge him and give him opportunities to grow musically. As we borrowed the band room for Brennen’s photoshoot for this story, we ran into Mr. Czernicki and it was clear the appreciation is mutual.

Beyond competitions and honors, though, music is a lifelong companion, something that will continue to shape his experiences in ways both expected and unexpected. It’s more than just an instrument in his hands—it’s a way to connect with history, culture, and people.

“Music expresses so much,” Brennen reflects. “It brings people together.”

As he steps into high school and beyond, that sense of connection—to teammates, to bandmates, to mentors and memories—will continue to guide him.

Because whether in music or in life, it’s the people around us that turn individual notes into something truly extraordinary.