The High School Band had a special visitor this week: Evan Ambrosio, GCS Class of 2007 and drummer for the pop-punk band State Champs. Ambrosio, who has been performing with the band for over 12 years, returned to Greenville to share his journey from a small-town student musician to a thriving professional musician on tour, both domestically and internationally.
State Champs, currently signed with Pure Noise Records, has played across the world and built a global fan base. Ambrosio talked with students about what it takes to make it in the music industry, how he broke into the field, and what life is like as a full-time musician.
When asked how he joined State Champs, Ambrosio smiled and said, “I saw an opportunity and asked for a chance.” His message to students was clear: if you want something, go after it. “Go out there and be out there,” he encouraged.
Ambrosio also shared memories of his time at Greenville, earning a laugh from the group when Dr. Bellino asked about his early music experience. “I didn’t want to play concert band, I wanted to learn rock music,” he said. Instead, he taught himself to be the drummer he always wanted to be through countless YouTube videos, an effort that led to his professional career.
During his visit, Ambrosio also talked about the realities of the music business today. Getting on tour isn’t just about talent, he explained, it’s about numbers. In addition to having the right sound, bands also compete for tour spots based on social media followers, ticket sales, and audience engagement. “You have to treat it like a business,” he said. Within State Champs, each member has specific responsibilities to keep things running smoothly. One handles business, another manages design, while Ambrosio oversees production and logistics. “When there are too many cooks in the kitchen, nothing gets done,” he said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and delegation.
Ambrosio also spoke about the creative process, sharing that the band writes songs in three-week-long sessions. No phones, no distractions, just music. Their favorite spot to write? “Right here in Surprise."
When asked about touring, Ambrosio said his favorite place to perform is Japan, though the band’s largest fan base is actually in the United Kingdom. He described touring internationally, the process of producing and releasing an album, and the discipline required to meet tight deadlines, something he says is crucial when you’re asking for opportunities in the industry.
To close, Ambrosio left students with advice he’s learned over his career: “Be hyper-detailed about what you love, and be passionate. You have to do what you love. I feel like I haven’t worked a day in my life.”
His visit served as both a homecoming and an inspiring reminder that passion, persistence, and a willingness to take chances can turn passion into a career.