‘Ready to soar’

HAMILTON — Hamilton High School Alumni Tyree Wilson, 20, is traveling internationally to play his flute in orchestras, for solo performances and ensemble concerts, for competitions, as well as a two-week tour with an OperaMaya group in Mexico. He also participated in an orchestra recently which recorded a major motion picture soundtrack to be announced later this year.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the talented University of Alabama junior, scholarship recipient and award-winning flutist who first picked up his instrument in the sixth grade in middle school.
Tyree said it took him about six months to learn to play the flute. In eighth grade, he was asked to join the high school’s marching band, while still in middle school. He also tried football and track, but went back to band, where he continued to excel.
He auditioned for the role of drum major his senior year, and was selected. He also shined in the leadership role, with band students receptive to his style, and “knowing when it was time to have fun and when it was time for business.”
When March 2020 rolled around, COVID hit. Tyree chose to spend his time at home honing his flute playing skills, and entering the world of social media. He chose to continue with homeschooling until he graduated in 2022. Also during his senior year, he was given the opportunity to perform with the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra in Helena.
His pivotal high school years, his technical proficiency and musicality and his social media talents acted in synergy to kickstart his career. Now, after 10 years of performances, along with numerous workshops and masterclasses, Tyree is ready to soar into higher levels on an international scale.
 Yet, still, to him, the most important

factor of all is kindness.
“It’s always important--how you treat people,” he said. “I’ve been told by those recruiting for big name schools for the arts, as long as you’re a good human being and a good musician, you’ll succeed.
“And people will want you to come play for them if you’re a good person and you have good musicianship. That’s all that really matters. To them, they care more about how you treat people than how you play.”
Tyree realizes he represents his hometown of Hamilton, the state of Alabama and even his musically-inclined family wherever he goes.
His mother, Tiwana Dumpson, sang with her sisters and mother. His father, James Dereck Wilson, plays the drums, keyboard and bass guitar. His brother, Rakeem Wilson, also plays the drums. Tyree also has a sister, Jasmine Wilson. He is the youngest of the three siblings.
Tyree says he even plays like he’s “singing into his instrument.” Any moment of watching him on YouTube will confirm this as true, with one video blending into the next as you find it hard to stop watching the young artist perform.
“We’re a musical family, so I was kind of destined, in a way,” Tyree said. “I was very dedicated when I started, and took the flute with me everywhere I went. The flute calmed me and centered me. I was more focused. Honestly, being focused and dedicated to my craft kind of saved me and set me up. Because now, I’m everywhere, and I’m playing the flute for a living. It’s been a dream come true, really. To come from a place like Hamilton and get to travel to Los Angeles, Calif.; Detroit, Mich.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Mexico and be internationally playing the flute--I’m living the dream.”
Tyree has also performed with one of his former band directors, Victoria Marts Chambless, who’d pushed him hard when he was young.
“It’s a full-circle moment--to be playing with her, side-by-side, in the orchestra of the alumni at the University of Alabama,” he said.
He’s also been asked by former Hamilton band member (now band director) Daniel Ritch to help host a band camp in Tennessee. And he’s been brought back to HHS on staff for band camps, where the students are all excited to see him, and he’s eager to help the band program.
“We’ve had so many band directors come to Hamilton,” he explained. “It’s been a treat to see all the different teaching styles. And now I’m going to Tennessee. It’s good to go other places and see what’s out there.”
Regarding his university studies, Tyree is obtaining his Bachelor’s in music performance at UA on a full scholarship. The college also funds his travels and lodging when he performs out-of-state and out-of-country, as he is also bringing them acclaim with his achievements.
Since all UA classes are also provided online, he just lets his professors know when he’s going to be following a “career-enhancing opportunity,” and they’re supportive.
One of his favorite gigs so far was OperaMaya, when he traveled last year to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico with a group to perform for youth, many of whom don’t have easy access to live music performances.
He noted the mix of opera performances and classical music, along with Mexican and American music, and all the different people coming together from different walks of life for the orchestra were a highlight for him.
He said he was happy to bring the music to the people, but sad to see some of the living conditions for both the people and the animals. He felt blessed and humbled to be back home with his family and the opportunities he has.

‘TyreeWilsonFlute’
Besides all his musical appearances, Tyree can also be found on social media sites such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, where he has more than 50K total followers and subscribers. Some of his videos have reached more than 2 million views, and when people see him in public, they call him by his stage name, “TyreeWilsonFlute.”
With so many followers, Tyree is considered an “influencer” and brands are taking notice of his talents, charisma, charm and electricity.
His numerous performances, practice videos and vlogs can be found online, including some content produced under the platform of the Flute Center of New York.
Regarding Feedspot’s global list of “Top 80 Flute Influencers in 2025,” Tyree comes in at a very impressive number 21. He’s younger than his ranking, but will hit 21 himself on April 29.
He also represents the Di Zhao flute brand as a “Di Zhao Artist” and will perform in Atlanta, Ga., later this year. He’ll also share why he chose the flute brand, and explain how he became an artist. He is the youngest-ever artist chosen by Di Zhao.
He’s also been selected by ThreadBeast Men’s Clothing to help promote their brand.
Concerning his movie studio work, Tyree noted he’d made an impression on another player through networking, and when they had to take another job, recommended him to take their place. He said the orchestra recorded two straight days from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, he could provide no further print details at this time.
Although Tyree can trace his social media roots back to the tragedy of COVID, where he sadly lost his grandfather, he also realizes the epidemic ultimately put him on a path to make the first few hopeful steps in his music career.
“I was able to practice more and used my time wisely,” he said. “And that’s when I created my social media to document my practice. Since then, people have been taking a look at me on social media, and its been blooming ever since.
“I’m reaching so many people on Instagram and TikTok I never thought I’d reach through music. Most of my opportunities are coming from social media through the ‘power of networking.’”

Has been blessed
Tyree and his family realize they’ve been blessed by God with each other, with their talents and abilities, and by God’s grace and mercy on their lives. His mom feels like joining the band in school was “a saving grace” for her son.
“I just kept trusting God,” Tiwana explained. “And now you can see the fruits of what God can do in your life, if you just trust Him. It’s God’s favor over Tyree which has allowed him to keep going forward in his career. We’re just thankful and humble.”
Tyree agrees, stating, “I’m always about the notion you put God first in your career. He can take your talents away if you don’t use them. And everywhere you go, people can know your positive energy. I’m thankful I can inspire other generations, even if it’s on social media.”
The gifted musician was also offered a scholarship to the University of Indiana, but chose UA to be closer to home and family.
“I’m glad I decided to go to Alabama,” he said. “It’s a really nice school for education. It’s not solely about performing. And I have my family all around me. I have a stable life. I’m thankful for what I have.”
Tyree is also an educator himself, working from his own online studio where he teaches the flute to beginner and intermediate students.
“When you’re motivated to do something, you’re going to make it work somehow,” he said. “The fruits of your labor will set you apart from everyone else, and you will thrive in your career.
“I’m from Hamilton. I’m from a small town. But I’m traveling the world now, and I want kids to know anything is possible. Keep honing your craft.
“I don’t even have my degree yet, and I’m already living the flute performance life. It’s been life-changing, really. I’ve been able to fly all over the world, and actually see what an orchestra is and how to play in an orchestra.
“There’s no telling where I’ll end up next year. I can only imagine where I’ll be in 10 years or so. It’ll be even more fun and interesting. I feel like I’m ready to soar.”