Student Success Stories
Through hard work, perseverance, and passion, School of Music students achieve remarkable results. Take a look at some of their accomplishments.
The School of Music would like to congratulate Keyla Arreola for being named a Mariaurora Arrese Memorial Endowed Scholar!! Éxitos!
Keyla Arreola is a Junior attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, pursuing a degree in Music Education. Keyla's good attitude and patient nature make her a well-known student within the School of Music. Apart from being a member of the UTRGV Master Chorale, Keyla has also participated in a local, non-profit, vocal ensemble called "Dolce Armonia," led by Roberto Garza II.
While music is her main focus, Keyla also enjoys baking and creating digital artwork in her free time! She is looking forward to becoming a high school choral director in the future, and she is hoping to spread the love for musical knowledge to the future generations to come.
The School of Music would like to congratulate Kristian for being named a Wilcox Music Endowed Scholar!! Éxitos!
Kristian Dominik Corona is a saxophonist from Rio Grande City. With both of his parents serving as band directors at middle school and high school programs, Kristian has always been involved in music and the performing arts. As a result of his upbringing and natural gifts, he has competed on multiple occasions receiving accolades at multiple region and area competitions throughout middle school and high school.
As Kristian continued to progress as a musician, he developed a keen interest in Jazz. Through his passion for Jazz, Kristian received first chair placement at region, area, and served as first chair of the Association of Texas Small School Bands All-State Jazz band during his Junior and Senior years of high school.
The School of Music would like to congratulate Ricardo for being named a Wilcox Music Endowed Scholar!! Felicidades!
Ricardo Ibarra is a graduate of Weslaco High School and is currently a Freshman at UTRGV studying euphonium with Dr. Scott Roeder. During his time in high school he was a multiple participant at UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest, winning the coveted Division One Medal during that time. In addition, Ricardo was a member of the TMEA All-Region Band and advanced to the Pre-Area Round of the TMEA All-State audition process.
Jose A. Cruz was born on August 6, 2000 and has lived most of his life in Brownsville, Texas. He attended Castaneda Elementary, Besteiro Middle School, and graduated from Lopez Early College High School in 2018. After graduating from high school, Jose decided to attend the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley in the Fall of 2018. Jose values the process and work ethic that goes into making music and decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in Music Education in order to share his passion with his community. Throughout his 5 semesters at UTRGV, Jose has performed with the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Trombone choir, and with “Sonido Sin Frontera” (a trombone quartet formed in the Fall of 2018).
With the Trombone choir and quartet, he has performed in state, national and international festivals (e.g. Texas Music Educators Association conference in San Antonio, Texas; the International Trombone Festival in Muncie, Indiana; and the Big 12 Trombone Conference in Lubbock, Texas). Jose constantly strives for improvement in his academic pursuits as well in his teaching and performance skills. He enjoys watching documentaries and playing soccer during his free time.