San Antonio - Chapter Education Committee Visits Brackenridge High School

On May 4, 2010 members of the Texas Chapter’s Education Committee visited Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, Texas to speak to students in the music program. Texas Chapter Governors Rodney Alejandro, Michael Mordecai, Casey Monahan and Gilbert Velasquez spoke with students and answered questions about careers in the music industry.

Students were interested in learning about how they got to where they are today. Students were also treated to a jam session with Alejandro, Mordecai and Velasquez. Alejandro selected a group of students who play drums, bass, trumpet and trombone to play along with these veteran musicians. Students had approximately five minutes to learn the melody of a song and were then asked to play together and add some of their own flair from time to time. Students learned that although you may not be prepared, the trick to improvisation is to listen to fellow musicians.

Although not all of the students attending the session had the opportunity to play, they were excited to cheer on their friends. Everyone gained a valuable lesson from the program: that although it’s difficult to be put on the spot when you are not prepared, self confidence and knowing your instrument is key.  

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