Philosophy of Rock and Roll

As a young boy his love for music continuously grew. Until one day, at 16 years old, he finally decided that playing the guitar on his own just wasn’t enough: it was time to join a proper rock band. What he didn’t know was that this decision would shape his life, making this person truly memorable: Felipe Naranjo, TCS philosophy teacher.            

At first glance, Naranjo is just mellow guy that teaches philosophy at a high school. However, to most it comes as a surprise that he is actually a hardcore rock lover that spends his free time making music all sorts of ways.                   

“I’ve been making music since I was 15 when I learned how to play the guitar, and I immediately wanted to join a band. I’ve always liked to make my own music; not play covers but actually have my personal creations,” said Naranjo.

Naranjo grew up alongside his music, and at this moment in time he is not only a member of one, but he actually manages a number of them outside and inside of the Columbus school.                       

Señor Naranjo        

In 2008, Naranjo decided to start his own band, which is the one he has been working on ever since. He is the singer and the guitar player; his son, Adan Naranjo, is the drummer and the second voice; and his old friend Juan Fernando Velez is the bass player. This band is a crucial component in Naranjo’s life, which is why he works exceptionally hard to guarantee everything turns out perfectly.

“[My band] is like my personal project, which is why it is called Señor Naranjo,” he said. “We don’t have a manager or producer; we have to be our own everything.”                      

Even though he is the one that has to do it all, Señor Naranjo is quite successful and is well known around the school and Medellin. For example, many teachers in TCS such as English teacher Emily Butterworth, have attended his concerts and gigs.     

“I went to his concert with a few other teachers. It was at the EAFIT theater and we were all sitting down watching them. It was a really cool chance for him to get to play in this venue,” Butterworth said.

Music Inside The Columbus School

Naranjo’s love for music extends all the way to The Columbus School hallways. So much so, that 13 years ago, he was originally hired at the school to start the band program before becoming a high school philosophy teacher.  

“I had bands in high school, middle school and elementary, now I only have one with juniors and one with seniors. We normally practice once a week after school and play in events such as Candle Night and Family Day in the school, and whenever we are invited to festivals in other schools in Medellin,” said Naranjo.

These bands have an outstanding reputation at school, and Naranjo undoubtedly is the one that makes it all possible. For example, both Junior and Senior members love the band because it allows them to pursue their music, and they also appreciate all the work that Naranjo puts into them.

“Without him [Naranjo] there wouldn’t be a band [because] he is the one that teaches us how to play the instruments perfectly and every single piece of the songs we perform,” Isabel Calle, member of the 11th grade band, said.     

“I love music and I really enjoy this experience because it allows me to have a space for my art and passion in school, which I think sometimes lacks importance and time in this academic environment,” Camila Duque, member of the 12th grade band said.

The members of the band not only relish their time making music; additionally, Naranjo exhibits great interest in getting to know his students in a distinct light compared to what he sees everyday teaching his philosophy course.

“It’s very different work compared to philosophy class. When you are an artist and you play an instrument, you really enjoy it because it is your passion. They actually chose the songs they want to play, and most importantly it isn’t tied to a grade which makes it a relaxed and joyful environment for them,” said Naranjo.

School reputation with music

Felipe Naranjo’s music is widely known and accepted in the school, and it has become very  interesting for both students and teachers to get to know him in an uncommon perspective. It is a great example of how admired teachers in general are, when they have a hidden facet of their personality that goes beyond their teaching.   

“He’s really dedicated and plays all the time. For me it is very cool to learn about people in the TCS community that are doing stuff outside of school that they are passionate about. It just makes their life more complete and interesting,” Butterworth said.          

“Its great to get to see teacher’s different sides and getting to know them outside of class. It has made me bond more with him by talking about music and Señor Naranjo has created a link between us,” Eliana Lopez, one of his 11 grade students, said.  

Finally Naranjo respects his rock and roll side just as much as his philosophy career, and is quite satisfied to have found the perfect balance between his childhood dream and a stable lifestyle, “I enjoy my music as more than a hobby because it is such a big part of me socially. However, because I don’t make a living out of it, I don’t have to stress about anything other than having fun while creating the music I’ve always wanted to pursue.”