Philanthropy and Activism

Buehler is a philanthropist, activist, and leader. He served as the Projects Chair for the Gamma Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity from 2019-2020 and as the Fraternity Education Officer from 2020-2022. As Projects Chair, he not only raised hundreds of dollars through the annual talent showcase, but initiated the inaugural ‘piano smash’ fundraiser, which has since raised thousands of dollars for Title I public music programs in the greater South Carolina Upstate area. He sought philanthropy through the fraternity, as well as through his work as President and co-founding member of Sexuality and Faith Exploration (SAFE), a safe space for LGBTQ+ persons which explored the intersectionality of religion and sexuality. Through this organization he launched events to advocate for queer lives on campus as well as to fundraise for the local LGBTQ community. His largest project was a ‘blind date with a book’ sale, which raised enough money to support the opening of a queer wellness center in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. He also began a letter writing initiative to support transgender people through Point of Pride, which includes letters of love and support in care packages to transgender people in need. His active role in service earned him the Harry B. Shucker Outstanding Student Leader Award upon graduation.

Research

Buehler was a research fellow on the project “The Time Signature – How Life Experiences Have Shaped Perspective, Success, and Longevity for 50 Educators Over the Age of 50” under the direction of Dr. Sue Samuels from 2020-2022. This project aims to reveal how to remain valid, current, and vital within the music education profession, and provide advice to young educators looking to further their careers. The project includes interviews from over 50 of the most successful music educators in the United States, and is set to become a documentary series and book. The findings of this research have been published and presented at the South Carolina Music Education Association Conference 2021 and the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference 2021.

Education

Buehler is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Composition at Stephen F. Austin State University. He is studying under the direction of Dr. Stephen Lias and holds a position as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the theory area. He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Composition in 2022 from Furman University under the direction of professors Dr. Mark Kilstofte, Dr. Peter Kay, and Prof. Jay Bocook. At Furman, he was an active performer and dedicated member of the bands and jazz programs and served as Vice President of Bands from 2021 through 2022. He was also the head stage manager at Furman, and taught flute and composition lessons through Furman and the KJ Music Academy.

Awards and Honors

Midwest Clinic GenNEXT Scholarship — 2023

Dan Beaty Memorial Music Scholarship — 2023

Stephen F Austin Alumni Legacy Scholarship – 2023

Collaborative Composition Initiative Fellow – 2023

Alba Music Festival Composition Assistantship – 2023

Alba Music Festival Composition Fellow – 2023

Harry B Shucker Outstanding Student Leader Award – 2022

Miles Davis Outstanding Jazz Leadership Award – 2018

Performance Involvements

Stephen F Austin State University Band 2023-

Ives Jazz Quintet 2018-2022

Furman Symphonic Winds 2018-2022

Furman Pauper Players Pit 2019-2021

Paladin Regiment 2018-2022

Furman Symphonic Orchestra 2018-2022

Paladin Pep Band 2018-2022

West Shore Marching Band 2015-2018

Cedar Cliff Jazz Band 2015-2018

Cedar Cliff Wind Ensemble 2014-2018

Central Pennsylvania Flute Choir 2014-2018

Do you do anything besides music?

In my free time I enjoy working out, being outside, playing video games on my Nintendo Switch (especially Legend of Zelda), and cooking. I also have a wonderful cat named Po (pictured), who is named after the Aztec God of war.