A multi-talented vocalist and instrumentalist, Tyrone junior Ethan White has been entertaining the Tyrone High School and community for many years with his musical talent. White has been a part of the band throughout his middle and high school career, as well as a standout singer for the Tyrone POPS Extension show choir and as a performer on stage for the Tyrone Drama Club.

Asked what he likes best, White doesn’t pick favorites.

“It all depends really, I can really get into either [singing or playing an intrument], whether it’s a challenging drum solo or a great singing opportunity,” said White.

This year White’s talent on the stage was recognized with an Isaac Award nomination for his performance as Rapunzel’s prince in the 2018 Tyrone production of Into the Woods.

According to White, he loved the role of the prince but was surprised to get a nomination.

“It was pretty fun to be flamboyant and crazy and portray a personality so different from my own,” said White.

Off the stage, White is not nearly as loud as the character he portrayed but one thing he does share with that character is leadership and confidence.

“Ethan brings a valuable leadership ability to the cast. He is a very reliable actor and student, a very strong singer, and other students definitely look to him as a leader. He is also very willing to speak his mind and step up, which is helpful for me in my first few years working with high-schoolers; I can always use Ethan as a barometer for whether or not a certain exercise or approach is going well,” said Into the Woods Director Ms. Charlie Wynn.

White has performed in three musical productions at TAHS, “A Night on Broadway,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Into The Woods.”

His hard work is also evident in concert choir, POPS, and other musical performances.

Ethan was one of three Tyrone students to place at the District Chorus Festival and qualify for regionals.  White earned the second chair at Districts this year.

“Ethan is a very hard worker and is always prepared for auditions and rehearsals. When he auditions for a show, he might have a particular part in mind that he’d like to play, but he’s also willing to play any part that he is cast in,” said TAHS choir teacher, Mrs. Harris.

When he isn’t singing, he’s playing percussion or leading the band as drum major.  White is also a long time member of the Jazz band and the marching band and performs with the percussion section in both groups. Ethan has been a drum major for the past two seasons with the Golden Eagle Marching Band.

“Ethan is the backbone of the band. He has a determination and skill that adds to the music and the overall setting.  It was also nice to see a younger face as drum major because when we started out only seniors could be drum majors.  He is doing an excellent job as a drum major and a leader,” said Tyrone senior band member Harley Stimer.

“Ethan is a very talented and dedicated student.  I enjoy having him in the [marching] band as well as the jazz band. He’s a good leader and well liked and respected by the other students,” said TAHS band director David Hock.

Outside of school, Ethan also performs at the Grace Baptist Church as their drummer.

“I love that I can use it to glorify God and to bring happiness to myself and others around me,” said White.

With his senior year on the horizon, White has set some lofty goals for his final year of high school.

“I’m excited for another season and for another musical,” said White, “I would like to win our chapter for marching band, place in the top three at ACC’s and make it to state chorus.”

Members of the Into the Woods cast will perform at the Isacc Awards this Saturday night at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona.