My Story: The Reasons My Journey Started
- Jeremy Haney
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
My Music Journey - Performing Since 2018:
Since Elementary school, I've joined a Choir Ensemble from every school I attended. This tradition would build the foundation for my vocal development over the years. My calling for the Ukulele and Keyboard began when I was thirteen, which helped me build an even deeper appreciation for music. In the Eighth grade, one of my friends inspired me to write a poem for her, which sparked my passion for writing. From this experience, I found love in something I didn't know I would have a passion for, but one my father had before me.
I would continue to write throughout my high school years, which motivated the short-lived formation of my club: Poetry Power. But I had often kept these two passions separate. After attending one of the high school's talent shows, I was inspired by a student who performed his original, Rhythm of the Deep, expressed from his voice and soprano ukulele. Both his bright tenor timbre and imaginative lighthearted lyrics drew me into his performance; I found a local artist I could relate to — Jack Martin.
The confidence he had to perform his own song motivated me to want to do the same, so I began looking for opportunities to express this newfound curiosity. Thankfully, I didn’t have to look too far to find it. Only one year later, I joined one of the school's Choir Ensembles, Cantus, the entry-level tenor bass collective. Through this opportunity, I was made aware of the Choir Program's annual Winter Coffeehouse, an evening curated concert with refreshments and sweets to celebrate the festive time of year.
For the first time, at sixteen years old, I would perform an original, Ukulele Soldier, in front of a live audience, whom Jack was a part of. With an erupting applause, I felt welcomed into their community. It helped me realize these two passions could come together and form something beautiful for both the artist and the audience. During my Junior-Senior year of High School, my father and I would attend OSU's Songwriter's in the Round, a community-based club that introduced me to adults and college students who gave me constructive feedback on my material and presented an opportunity to hear original works from those within the local music scene.
A few years later, shortly after my father's passing, I'd start to attend a few of the Open Mic Nights at Bomb's Away Cafe, which were held right after karate classes. After swiftly changing out of my Gi and sparring equipment, I'd race to the venue and try to sign up for a time slot. I'd be lucky enough to even get a spot at 11 PM — infamous for being the time when most of the crowd would've already left.
Early before one of these shows, I discovered that my friend in the Music Program, Sage Jarvie, would be a short-time Producer for Locals Live, one of the university's popular online radio shows. During the Summer of 2023, I had the privilege and honor of being able to perform for the final episode of the season. From these experiences and beyond, I have been able to get to where I am today. Thank you for your love and support, which continues to help my story and voice be heard, as it once was all those years ago.
PUBLIC GALLERY - Capturing Memories Since 2017:
My experience in Digital Photography began as a sophomore in high school, taking a class to explore my interest in the art. I had already been exposed to this world by my cousin, a professional photographer working for Canon. By nature, it was only fitting that the first camera I'd get to learn on was a Canon EOS Rebel T6, which I routinely checked out from class before being gifted my own for Christmas. It was this generous opportunity that gave me a chance to learn from my cousin, who would foster my development and mentor me in his techniques to reveal my camera's true capabilities.
One afternoon, a sunset graced the sky near my house. One year before, in my Intro to Photography class, I was taught to always keep the exposure in the middle; perfectly balanced. I never truly challenged the notion until this moment. One underexposed capture taught me what thousands of attempts in a balanced measure could not: In art, it is okay to take chances and challenge the notions you've been taught. Some rules were meant to be forgotten, only set to become a reminder of how far you've come.
Half a decade later, I grew tired of collecting depictions of sunsets. It was time for me to challenge myself, capture new environments and faces other than my own. As a college student, I found my calling in the local music scene — not only as a performer, but as a curator of memories. One night, I decided to come to a house show where my friend had performed, in the basement of the Corvallis iHouse. On Christmas, I was surprised with a Canon EOS R8, which would be responsible for the beloved capture of thousands of photographs to come. For two years, I volunteered my services.
During those two years, I had the privilege to shoot shows for my friends and artists who shared the stage with them. Every Spring term, I would do a few requests for graduation pictures. In addition to these experiences, I have worked with a number of groups at Oregon State University: Music Technology and Production Program, Guitar Ensemble, and Meistersingers. During my international adventures to Slovenia, Venice and Tokyo, I was able to carry a piece of these times with me — shared from the memory of my eyes and an SD card, full of dreams that came true.
Favorite Song of All Time? Favorite Album?
On April 1st, 2024, I happened to be working a shift at LaSells Stewart Center for one of their art receptions. Over the gallery speakers, we had a random playlist of music playing in the background, while patrons walked around to admire the artwork on display. Near the end of the reception, this mysterious song would accompany our ordinary closing routine. Upon the first listen, I fell in love with this composition and, ever since, it continues to comfort me. When I feel alone, tired from a busy day, driving home at night, have trouble falling asleep, etc. — this song often brings me a peace of mind and becomes an auditory companion that hugs me and reminds me just how precious the memories we make today can truly be.
Album: Jeff Buckley's "Grace"
During the Spring of 2025, this album guided me in the midst of a difficult season of my life. Before this point, I listened to Jeff's rendition of Hallelujah a decent number of times in high school. However, I hadn't given the full project a chance, until I heard Everybody Here Wants You. But hearing Grace for the first time, it truly moved me. Buckley's raw vulnerability, both in a poetic and vocal sense, left me in complete astonishment. As many times as I have tried to decide on just one favorite song from this album, I find myself just accepting the experience to be enjoyed as one collective. If I had to choose: Mojo Pin, Grace, Last Goodbye, [Lover, You Should've Come Over], and Forget Her would be considered my personal favorites. Grace, as a whole, is a beautiful experience.