Roberto Ramon
Name: Roberto Ramon
Age: 23
Major: Bachelor’s in Music Education
College: College of Fine Arts
Hometown: McAllen, TX
High School: Nikki Rowe High School, McAllen, TX
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because of the great double bass studio started by my Applied Bass professor, Dr. George Amorim. I also love my hometown and the culture of the Rio Grande Valley.
What made you decide on your current major?
I was originally undecided until the very end of my senior year in high school, but I realized that my passion for music was much bigger than my interest in any other subjects.
How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I stay inspired with the help of my studio mates and fellow musicians by playing repertoire for each other and critiquing one another’s playing.
What are your greatest strengths and what are some challenges?
My greatest strength is my determination when it comes to goals that I set. Challenges that I faced during this pandemic was the overall lack of human interaction. Especially with music, I feel that being face-to-face with your teacher and peers is extremely important because of the nuances that can’t be heard through Zoom and also it is difficult to maintain the excitement of music making when everything is online.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I want to be a middle school orchestra director, educating future musicians and inspiring the youth.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
What I like most about UTRGV is the student body because it feels like a collective community with similar goals and values. I also really like the beautiful state of the art facilities and great faculty.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero, to me, means staying focused on my goals to be successful after I graduate and always knowing where I came from.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
I have had some amazing experiences during my education at UTRGV through the help of my applied professor Dr. George Amorim. I traveled to participate in multiple music festivals including traveling abroad to the Aruba.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I would tell my fellow students to look for the silver lining no matter how bleak the situation might appear to be because eventually things will get better and you will be a stronger version of yourself for enduring the difficult moments.