Mason Lane Hits A High Note With UCM

By Wyatt Hardy

Mason Lane signed with the University of Central Missouri to continue his music career. He has had a huge impact on the band as a saxophonist and choir program as a tenor at Sullivan High School. UCM is renowned for its phenomenal music program.

He has been selected to 3x All-District, 2x All-Conference and 1x All-State choirs. In January of this year, he headed to the Missouri Music Educators Conference to be trained by professional vocal coaches and sing along with the best high school singers in the state.

Lane’s musical journey began in 6th grade when he started playing clarinet for the middle school band, but he got bored with it quickly. He then moved on to play tenor saxophone in 8th grade and fell in love with it throughout high school.

His enjoyment of choir also grew as time went on, Lane claims, “I was put into choir without signing up during 7th grade and just stuck with it. It was the best accident that’s ever happened to me!”

After discovering his true passion in middle school, Lane’s life now revolves around being a musician and learning more about the art. He also now has life-lasting bonds with friends and teachers who share the same interests.

“Band and choir put me around some of the most amazing people. These people helped shape me and help me become who I am. The music directors made it possible for me to pursue an education in music and have continuously offered support and pushed me to do my best.”      

When searching for a university, Lane needed something familiar to the amazing programs he was involved in at Sullivan High School. But, once Lane toured UCM, he realized it was the right place for him as they let him sit in on classes and even get a free voice lesson.

“I had a great time working with the music professors at UCM. They seem to genuinely enjoy what they do and want to help the students.”

Lane’s pursuit into advancing his music career will continue at the university. He has an exciting future ahead and wants to keep getting better, claiming, “I hope to just grow as a musician during university. Whether that’s getting better with piano or taking guitar classes. I believe that my time at UCM will set me up for a fulfilling career in music.”