For Lake Highlands High School alumnus Toby Furr, his professional music career didn’t begin with perfection; it started with persistence. This mindset brought him to earning a spot on one of the most prestigious stages a musician can reach, the Pershing’s Own United States Army Band.
As a young middle school student, his path in the school band had some early challenges. He had his heart set on playing the euphonium. It was extremely heavy for a small child, and his braces didn’t make it easy to learn. “Right away, I wanted to switch,” Furr reflects. “My teacher told me to keep trying for a few more weeks. Weeks turned into months, and I just kept going. When I got to high school, there were so many kids who were way better than me. It felt like the other students were way more talented, but it was very motivating. The other students encouraged me.”
Furr didn’t let tough competition stop him. In fact, it drove him to work harder, improve, and learn from his talented peers. His commitment, the support of his friends, and his band director at the time, Jeff Bradford, who is now the Executive Director of Fine Arts for RISD, saw his potential and made all the difference. “We’re so proud to have students who have gone on to do great things,” said Bradford. “He’s an amazing euphonium player and an even better human being. You could see that from his youngest years and his heart for others.”
Through all the rehearsals, early morning practices, and opportunities, his passion and skills for music grew over the years at Lake Highlands. In his senior year, he went to all-state and was one of the only high schoolers to be accepted into the Leonard Falcone International competition, where he came in second place. By the time he graduated, there was no question that music was in his future. He knew there weren’t as many professional opportunities for euphonium players in professional orchestras and bands, so he had his eyes set on a coveted spot in one of the premier service bands in the country.
Furr was accepted into the music program at the University of North Texas and had the opportunity to take lessons with Dr. Brian Bowman, one of the best euphonium soloists and teachers in the world. He steadily refined his craft and earned recognition and confidence. He learned to embrace failure, not as a setback, but as a learning moment and just part of the process. “I feel very lucky to be where I am. I remain calm in auditions and in performance situations. For some reason, I’m never nervous until I sit back down in my chair,” said Furr. Every audition was a chance for him to improve. He was accepted to the International Falcone competition two more times while in college.
Today, Furr performs at the highest level with the most elite musicians in the world, playing in the premier military band for significant ceremonies in Washington DC, for military and senior leaders, the president, and at graveside services honoring those who have given their lives for their country. It’s a stage few ever reach and is a reflection of his persistence from a young age.
Even now, he carries a token from where it all began. He keeps a small piece of PVC pipe with an adjustable aperture in his instrument case.
Given to him by Jeff Bradford back in his sophomore year of high school as a tool to help with breathing techniques, Toby has kept it with him ever since. It’s both a practical device and a reminder of the belief others had in him before he knew it himself. For young musicians, he gives this advice: “Trust yourself, trust in doing the work you’re doing right now, even if it doesn’t feel like it’s working. You will be better tomorrow, and results are not immediate.”
Furr’s journey is a reminder that big dreams don’t all happen at once, but having your eyes set on the future, pushing through, and a strong foundation makes them within reach.
Title photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Primavera
