From a young age, senior Caleb Houser found comfort in the chaos of music. What began as a 5-year-old banging on piano keys and calling it jazz soon turned into a lifelong creative outlet-one that helped him process emotion, clear his mind, and eventually compose original works.

His piece has roots in a quiet moment of inspiration. While sitting outside, Houser listened to the rustling of cottonwood trees and appreciated how the sound resembled the ocean. That simple, peaceful moment turned into a composition layered with emotion, nature, and classical influence. Here he composed the song “Concerto of Leaves” which will soon be performed numerous times.

“I used some of the same patterns as Rachmanioff’s Rhapsody on a ‘Theme of Paganini and Carol Barnett’s arrangement of Red River Valley,’” Houser said. “I want to keep writing music and continue improving, even after my time with the vocal music program here at Millard West has ended.”

Despite his natural talent, his parents helped him learn piano and provided the equipment and opportunity to explore music. He was also the lead role in the “Les Miserables” Jean Valjean, is a part of the a cappella group Transcendence, the large group choir Singers, and has been a part of the varsity show choir West in the Groove for three years. He also plays piano for Uptown and Swing Cats’ show band.

“Caleb has always been a self-motivated student who always brings his flair to whatever performance he is a part of,” vocal music director Zack Bjornsen. “I have been lucky to see his growth and see him arrange and write his pieces. 

Houser is also part of a quintet named Save the Whales which he has been taking songs and arranging them into five part harmonies for them to sing. Just this year Caleb composed and arranged an original song for the quintet, also named Save the Whales in which they performed at the last choir concert of the year. The a capella group Transcendence also sang his piece “Concierto of Leaves” while Houser played the piano. 

“Caleb has been writing music for us for four years and has only improved. I speak for all of our quintet when I say we appreciate how his talent and drive have brought us together to do something we all love,” Senior Zeven Sanders said.” I can’t wait to see what he will do.”

As Houser prepares to graduate, he plans to continue pursuing music. He is currently looking into a variety of music majors and has been writing a series of songs for a story he is developing. Houser’s passion for music isn’t just rooted in the joy of creating but is fueled by a deep desire to grow. Even as his work is being recognized and performed, he remains focused on what lies ahead. Whether it’s experimenting with new styles or studying music theory in college, Houser is so eager to expand his skills and refine his sound. For him, hearing his composition being performed wasn’t a final destination but rather a glimpse of what’s to come.