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OREM -- Ian, a 16-year-old Orem High student with a passion for the tuba, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma just after Christmas 2010.
Despite his illness, being taken out of school, and several rounds of chemotherapy, Ian has still practiced his tuba every day. It was this dedication that led Ian's family, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Utah Symphony to present him with shining tuba.
Asked what his plans were for the tuba, Ian said, "Well, I'm gonna play it."
"I'd like to thank [the Make-a-Wish Foundation], because I never even thought I would be able to get my own tuba," Ian said. "It's a great thing."
Ian was brought to Abravanel Hall the morning of May 24 to watch the Utah Symphony rehearse for a performance that evening. The orchestra took a break, brought him up on stage, and presented him with the tuba, as well as tickets to the performance.
Asked what his plans were for the tuba, Ian said, "Well, I'm gonna play it."
Ian said he may have one more treatment of chemotherapy before he is done, but is confident that he will make it back to school for next year's marching band season.
"I feel kinda normal. Sometimes I feel kinda sick, but that's about it," he said.
"This is really exciting," said Howard Summers, Orem High School band and orchestra director.
"It's been a scary thing for him, I think, for all of us to some extent," said Summers, referring to Ian's illness. "But it's been a learning experience and it's been good for him, I think."
Ian said he'd like to play tuba for the Utah Symphony someday, "If I can."
