Palpable excitement and nerves fill the school campus as a wide symphony of over 60 dedicated student musicians prepares for what promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.
But how much longer will the fine-tuning melodies await a response? Much more than a mere performance at a music festival in Pereira, this upcoming event symbolizes growth, resilience, and creativity nurtured by students within the TCS music programs. Under the expert guidance of Jorge Mario Angel and Giovany Bedoya, bands invest countless hours into preparing in-class repertoires showcasing their versatility.
“We focus on understanding each musician’s unique strengths and balancing the repertoire to display the band’s collective talent. Gio [the other band teacher] does a great job working with sinfónicas while I work with smaller concretic bands” Jorge Mario Ángel Ángel, HS music teacher, said.
Beyond the concept of a school expedition, polished performances lie behind rigorous processes that push students to their limits. Whether taking place at early morning practices or last block Friday sessions: preparation has been intense.
The festival in Pereira isn’t just about showcasing musical talent, though. It’s a cultural celebration that offers invaluable learning experiences for young musicians. The perfect excuse for one to become familiar with Colombian traditions and meet new friends.
“I really really want to share my music with others, I want to show my skills and learn a thing or two about their origins in the process, an opportunity to engage with musicians of my age, exchange ideas, and celebrate what brought us there in the first place: music,” Simon Cuartas, Pianist, and drummer for multiple TCS banda, said.
Balancing plays with academic responsibilities presents unique sets of challenges, but most students have developed effective time-management strategies. After all, no force in nature can stand against their mighty willpower and determination to assist.
“Well I usually try to study everything I can at school, I do my homework there so that right when I get home I am free to study my music in the afternoons,” Cuartas said.
Music at TCS goes beyond technicalities and skill. Some musicians can be more talented than others, but, as they themselves expressed, the personal connections and invaluable life lessons taught along the journey prevail as the most important.
“Through our performance, I want to show music is a universal language, that a small group can make a big impact when they put their hearts into it. Playing helped me connect with students I might not have met otherwise, and sharing so much in common builds strong friendships.” Tomas Navarro, a bass player and mentor to younger students, said.
With the possibility of official authorization, Tigers remain fueled by their shared goals and passion for music. Intentions are clear: to craft something beautiful together, something only they know and are capable of. Whether or not the trip becomes a reality, this silent journey marks a difference in our school, highlighting how lasting sparks of creativity paired with effort can be a powerful, transformative means of communication, instilling leadership in future generations.
“I hope students gain experience and confidence from this, that they can celebrate everything achieved by their part, everything that makes them happy. That, to me, is the greatest gift as a teacher,” Ángel concludes.