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Liam McElroy, a Kingston senior, signed his letter of intent to attede University of Central Oklahoma. Crystal Burnezkhy-Robertson • The Madill Record
Kingston senior Liam McElroy signed his letter of intentonApril4toattendThe University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond for music. McElroy,whohasmanyaccolades for his musical talents, including 2022-2023 OSSBDA 2A-4A All-State Jazz, said he is looking forward to taking his musical career to the next level.
“I like the word level, because it feels like that,” McElroy said. “I want to play with everyone at a higher level. I want to have a band full of people who chose to be there for band.”
He said his musical influences range anywhere from Miles Davis to Corey Henry.
“Right now I go back and forth so much. I have been listening to a lot of 70’s and 80’s R&B music recently, and I have been getting into lots of Jazz Funk. Oscar Peterson piano, Miles Davis and everything.”
McElroy talked about what music he is into and what artists are his biggest influences.
“Oscar Peterson got me going a little bit into a more traditional Jazz Piano style. Miles Davis in just everything. Corey Henry, who is a gospel organ player and Michael Leak, who is a bass player. I have a lot of musical influences, it depends on the instrument.”
His parents, Stacy and Michael McElroy, spoke about how proud they are of their son and how his love of music has been lifelong.
“This has been a lifetime in the making,” Michael said. “He started drumming when he was five.”
With McElroy showing an inclination towards music at such a young age, his parents knew they had to get him into music right away.
“It’s been a lifetime of what we would consider musical genius, it is going to be really quiet when he leaves,” Michael said about his son’s dedication. “When we wake up in the morning he is practicing. When we go to bed at night he is practicing. He never stops playing when he is home. He takes breaks here and there, but it is seven to eight hours of practice a day, so it is going to be quiet.”
Stacy spoke on her son’s motivation.
“He has this work ethic I wish I had, he really does,” she said. “That is what has been really amazing to see. His love of the music and his willingness to work at it, no matter what instrument it may be.”
His dad gave some advice on how McElroy could stay on track.
“Keep following what he loves and it is going to turn out fine.”
His mom gave advice on howhecankeepintouchafter leaving for college.
“Keep calling me Liam, talk to me every day. Call your momma.” Stacy said with a laugh.
The couple said they know their son has many talents, even though some that are still hidden. McElroy has a YouTube Channel that he