In the Spotlight | Tyler Waslien
In our mission to support Central Cass students in the arts, our “In the Spotlight” series aims to showcase alumni deserving recognition.
Tyler Waslien | Central Cass Class of 2005
Bassist & Backing Vocalist, 32 Below
2005 Central Cass Alum, Tyler Waslien, performing with his band 32 Below.
From 2009 to 2018, Tyler Waslien, a 2005 Central Cass graduate, performed well over a thousand shows across the country and beyond. He played to a handful of patrons in small dive bars, clubs with a few hundred, large concert venues of thousands and festivals with tens of thousands in attendance.
The arts had a direct correlation to Tyler Waslien’s first career after college. Tyler was playing in a band recreationally in the Fargo area after graduating from Concordia College. 32 Below, a Nashville-based and nationally touring country-rock band, was in Fargo on a weekend off and caught Waslien performing. After building a relationship with the guys, he was asked to audition for a role in the group and he landed a job as the bassist and backing vocalist.
32 Below opened for many national stars, such as Keith Urban, Charlie Daniels Band, Lee Brice, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Band Perry, Billy Currington, Three Doors Down, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Montgomery Gentry, Justin Moore, Chris Jansen, and more. Anyone who knows Tyler can attest that he is a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, and the band had the privilege to play on Soldier Field at halftime of a Bears/Lions game. They have played in a couple dozen states, as well as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cancun, and more. They recorded several studio albums and had a few tunes make it to the top 50 songs on the iTunes charts. Tyler was also fortunate enough to land a sponsorship deal with elite bass guitar manufacturer, Spector Basses out of Woodstock, NY.
“The skills I developed through the Central Cass music and fine arts programs gave me the knowledge, tools, and skillsets to make myself marketable as a professional musician.”
According to Waslien, “The skills I developed through the Central Cass music and fine arts programs—especially from my outstanding music teacher, Mrs. Huso—gave me the knowledge, tools, and skillsets to make myself marketable as a professional musician. There are so many wonderful experiences that I'm so grateful to have had while chasing my musical dreams, and I feel so very blessed to have lived them.”
Tyler reflects on many amazing memories in the CCHS fine arts. He participated in theater, speech, band and choir. “I loved being a part of such a strong music program. Even though it was fine arts, we had "swagger." Being a part of the jazz band, band, swing choir, and choir from seventh grade through senior year...I don't think we ever missed a star in anything. We took immense pride in that, and I still do.”
“I loved being a part of such a strong music program... I don’t think we ever missed a star in anything. We took immense pride in that, and I still do.”
When asked what advice Tyler would give to high school students, he said, “Always be a student of your craft.” He continued, “I believe the same principles apply to fine arts as anything in life. Perfection is impossible, but striving for it constantly in an effort to get better every day will set you apart from the crowd. Always study and evolve your craft. Considering the vast creativity in music, there's always something to learn and build upon. Never be complacent.”
After graduating from CCHS in 2005, Tyler attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and graduated with a major in Communications with minors in Business, Sociology, and Coaching. He played defensive line for the Cobber football team all four years of his college life.
Tyler expresses his pride to live in the Casselton community, where he grew up. “Casselton has given me so much, and I strive to return the favor.” Tyler is a business owner as an insurance agent with Farmers Union Insurance, an agency started by Tyler’s grandfather, Milton Waslien, in 1968, and has been carried on by his father, Bob Waslien, uncle, Dick Waslien, and his current partner and fellow Casselton native, Scott Cramer.
Tyler lives in Casselton with his wife, Kailen, and three sons—Masen, Jackson, and Barrett.
Thanks for sharing your story, Tyler!
“In the Spotlight” features Central Cass alum who have excelled in the arts. Do you know a squirrel deserving recognition? Nominate them here!
