Frenship High School senior Lula Biondi is taking her musical talents to the national stage after being selected for the S.E. Shires Rising Artist Program. Biondi, a tenor trombone player, is the only high school student in the nation selected for the program, joining professional musicians, graduate students, and college students from across the country.
Created by S.E. Shires Co., the Rising Artist Program identifies and develops talented young musicians as they pursue musical excellence. The two-year program provides participants with access to world-renowned musicians, masterclasses, mentorship opportunities, and resources to help them grow artistically and professionally.
For Biondi, the recognition represents years of dedication and a meaningful step toward her future in music.
“It feels surreal and is an absolute honor,” Biondi said. “Being chosen for a national program like the S.E. Shires Rising Artist Program shows all the hours spent in the practice room and proves that representation in low brass matters. It tells me my voice and sound belong on national stages, and I hope it shows other young musicians at Frenship that their dedication has no limits!”
Biondi’s musical journey began in fifth grade when her dad introduced her to the trombone. Around age 12, music became her primary way of expressing herself, and lessons with James McNair, a former musician with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, helped her recognize her potential.
“Working with him over that first year helped me realize that music wasn't just a fun hobby for me, but a real passion that I wanted to pursue seriously,” Biondi said.
Her dedication has continued throughout her time at Frenship, where she has earned a place in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) 6A All-State Band twice. She credits her band directors and private lesson teacher, Dr. Shauna Pickens, for challenging her to grow.
“Frenship has been my foundation!” Biondi said. “My directors and private lesson teacher, Dr. Shauna Pickens, have held me to high standards while supporting me through every step of my journey.”
Beyond performing, Biondi serves as a caption head in the Frenship band program.
“Serving as a Caption Head at Frenship and mentoring younger students has also deepened my love for music,” Biondi said. “The culture at Frenship taught me that performance, competition, and inspiration go hand in hand.”
Over the next two years, Biondi will have opportunities to learn directly from accomplished orchestral brass musicians through masterclasses, mentorship, and guidance on playing techniques and audition preparation.
“I'm so excited to work directly with and learn from world-class orchestral brass artists,” Biondi said. “Having access to masterclasses, one-on-one mentorship, and insights on my playing and audition preparation from musicians performing in top symphonies across the country is such an incredible opportunity.”
Biondi hopes to use the experience to strengthen her skills and prepare for the next stage of her education. Her long-term goal is to perform as a trombonist in a major symphony orchestra while teaching the next generation of brass musicians.
“My long-term goal is to pursue a career in music performance as a trombonist in a major symphony orchestra, alongside teaching the next generation of brass players,” Biondi said. “This program will give me a realistic feel of what it takes to actually reach those goals.”
Through her selection as an S.E. Shires Rising Artist, Biondi is representing Frenship on a national stage while continuing to pursue her passion for music and inspire the next generation of musicians.
Congratulations, Biondi!