While most Brophy seniors spend their free time at home or finishing homework, Hayden Short ’26 is often found at Loyola Academy, a middle school next door to Brophy. As president of Note by Note, a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Short’s free time is spent coordinating a staff of student tutors, managing a federal corporation, and ensuring Loyola students continue to learn music.

Staffed entirely by Brophy student volunteers, Note by Note provides Loyola Academy students with free, after-school tutoring in music theory and an instrument of the students’ choice. 

“We have grown to support ~20 regular students twice weekly,” said Short.

As Short prepares for graduation, he focuses on continuing the program. He intends to pass down the program to current vice president Yug Sonawane ’27, and two new students recently brought on to the leadership team.

Short started as a founding member of Note by Note along with 3 Brophy/Xavier students who graduated in 2024. As president of the club this year, he has to balance all of the responsibilities that come with it. 

“My day-to-day jobs include running meetings, organizing finances, recruiting new tutors and students, and teaching my own trumpet student,” says Short.

Because Note by Note is considered independent of Brophy, the organization is allowed to benefit from its own fundraising. The 501(c)(3) status allows for the program to host events outside of the Brophy community, generating the necessary revenue to support administrative expenses. However, the program’s success is still supported from within Brophy.

“We are fortunate enough to be generously supported by Dr. Johnathan Robinson and the Brophy music department with their instruments and resources,” said Short.