Fine Arts Student of the Week: Olson learns music by ear, began playing guitar at age 11

Adviser nomination: Band Director Christopher Fogderud stated: "Danny is an outstanding percussionist and guitarist. He is the only guitar player in Brainerd who was selected for the Minnesota All-State Jazz Band since I have been at BHS. Danny's musicianship is inspiring to his peers and teachers alike."

Memorable fine arts achievement: Being selected for the Minnesota All-State Jazz Band in 2018-19.

Artist most admired: American musician Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins.

Other fine arts activities: Bards.

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Danny Olson

• Grade: Senior.
• Age: 18.
• Art focus: Brainerd High School Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble I.

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When did you start playing the guitar? "I started playing guitar when I was 11 years old. How it started was I took formal piano lessons when I was 6 and I did that for three to four years and I didn't like it. I am a classic rock kind of guy. When I was 11 I went to my buddy's house and his brother was playing a guitar and was playing Led Zeppelin, and I was like, I want to do that. He had another guitar lying around. I picked it up and started playing it by ear. I have never had a guitar lesson, I am fully self-taught. Same with piano, percussion. My ear is my strong point. It's how I learned all my music. I listen to the music and figure it all out.

"When I got home I was like, 'Mom, I need a guitar.' They bought me a cheap electric guitar I think it was 75 bucks. I learned all AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Smashing Pumpkins and Dad said, 'You sound better,' and it compiled from there into the collection of guitars I have now. ... I have seven guitars. My favorite guitar to play is my Les Paul. I use it for certain style songs in jazz band and for all my gigs in my band and when I am sitting at home practicing. It's my go-to guitar."

When did you add percussion? "At the end of fifth grade, I played piano so they suggested I do percussion. So I tried that out and liked it and stuck with it. I tried out for Wind Symphony my freshman year and made it my sophomore year.

"I am the only guitar player who plays in jazz band at the high school."

Talk about how you made Minnesota All-State Jazz Band: "This was a long audition process where multiple guitar players from the state recorded an audition and sent it in the MMEA (Minnesota Music Educators Association) and they listen and select who is the best. The piece I did I had to do with a recording and I played a bunch of scales and it was long and hard."

Biggest challenge with percussion: "For me, the biggest challenge is reading the music on xylophone. I learn by ear, but I can still do it."

Do you play outside of school? "I played in a band (SOLO) since I was 13 years old. I played over 350 shows in my career in the Brainerd area and outside at a lot of places around the state. I got a big break when I was 13 to play at Zorbaz on Gull Lake. They gave me a chance and we have been their house band since. This is a place I call home. This year my band played twice a month and I played every week. I would do acoustic shows and sing, too."

Do you plan to keep playing the guitar after high school? "I plan to stick around and attend CLC (Central Lakes College) and go into marketing/business. I like the business side of music and also the ability to play. Going to CLC will allow me to stick around to keep playing at Zorbaz and the places I play.

"I am also in the process of writing music and recording all the instruments and singing, and I'm planning to put something out in the summer."

Music you like to play: "I grew up on classic rock. My mom played music since I was a tiny kid. My parents grew up listening to classic rock. I remember listening to Boston, REO Speedwagon and Guns N' Roses and bands like that. Now, I am a firm believer in that you shouldn't limit your options in music because the more you listen to the more you can develop your own style. Which is why I like jazz because it is so complicated and I can take that into my rock playing and make it better."

Dream job: "My dream job is touring and writing music. For me, the sky's the limit, I dream really big."

Musicians you look up to: "Billy Corgan, Slash from Guns N' Roses, Eric Clapton. I also look up to piano players like Billy Joel."

Favorite subject: Sports/entertainment marketing.

Favorite movie: "Whiplash."

Favorite book: Harry Potter series.

Favorite song: "Dawn by the Seaside" by Led Zeppelin.

Favorite band: Smashing Pumpkins.

Favorite restaurant: Zorbaz on Gull.

Sport: Golf.

Favorite golf player: Tiger Woods.

Parents: Holly and Chris Olson of Nisswa.