August Student Feature: Aiden Beckstrom

One of the joys of the monthly jazz jam is seeing young students learn about the timeless tradition of jazz. It is wonderful to watch them eagerly waiting to play a new standard they learned. Students that show up on a regular basis and practice diligently soon begin to catch the attention of local music artists and fans as their musicianship flourishes each month. Aiden Beckstrom, a student at Augustana University, has done just that and is our featured student of the month.

Aiden grew up in Mitchell, SD. As a kid, he would use toy baseball bats to play air guitar to the songs his dad would play in the house. By 5th grade, he retired the air guitar and picked up the bass guitar. Aiden’s first introduction to jazz began in the 8th grade when he joined his school jazz band.

Under the tutelage of Ryan Stahle, director of bands at Mitchell High School, his interest in jazz progressed throughout the years. He was not only drawn to the freedom of jazz, but also to the responsibility to support his bandmates to make the music come to life.

In the spring of 2022, Aiden graduated from Mitchell High School and enrolled at Augustana University School of Music majoring in Multimedia Entrepreneurship. At Augustana, he has continued his musical studies with Dr. Brian Hanegan and Andrew Reinartz. He is a member of numerous ensembles including the Northlanders Jazz Band and the Jazz Combo. As part of the Multimedia Entrepreneurship Degree, he is also learning recording, live sound, video editing techniques and much more.

Aiden keeps a busy performance schedule outside of school as a freelance musician and band leader. He freelances with many jazz, rock, and worship artists throughout the region. As a band leader, he started the jazz/funk/fusion group Sound Mind. Sound Mind started as a way to gather with friends to write songs, improvise, and perform together. In February 2024, Sound Mind uploaded a video entry for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Contest featuring a tune composed by Aiden called White House. The band's entry was also featured on "In The Moment" on SDPB Radio.

The Sioux Falls jazz community has enjoyed watching Aiden’s musicianship grow throughout the years. His dedication, kindness, and work ethic make him one of the easiest musicians to work with and we look forward to seeing his career unfold.

Catch Aiden live at Trio Jazz Club on Wednesday, August 28th with Sound Mind.

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