WT Band Student Spotlight: Chema Garcia
Name
Chema Garcia
What years were you in the WT Band? When did you graduate?
2019-2024. Graduation is 5/11/2024
What was your degree in?
BA Music Education EC-12 (Instrumental emphasis)
Where are you living now and what are you doing?
I reside in Canyon, Texas as I am preparing for graduate studies. I am also the percussion/front ensemble tech at West Plains High School where I also give private lessons.
What instrument did you play?
Percussion
What ensembles and student groups were you involved in while you were at WT?
Concert band 2019-2021 / Symphonic band 2021-2024 / Percussion Ensemble 2019-2023 / Symphony Orchestra 2021 / Opera pit musician and sound effects 2021
Tell us a favorite band memory that you have from your time at WT.
Getting to be the chihuahua bark in Whitaker's "Godzilla Eats Las Vegas!" Specifically the one time Dr. Teweleit was conducting the piece and held out a "fermata" for the dog bark just so he could see how long I would do it. The answer- 20 seconds max.
Share with us what you miss most about your time at WT.
The sense of community.
Do you have a favorite memory or highlight that has happened for you since graduation?
Hmm, not quite. I got two weeks left to go until I can have any!
What did you learn from your time at WT?
Be a good person. It serves you in every way.
What are some of your favorite musical memories?
Getting to play along side Dr. Tariq and the rest of the talented directors across Texas in the Faculty Jazz Band at WTAMU band camp in 2022
Why did you come to WT?
I live around the area and it was close to home. Not to mention every time I came to campus, I fell more and more in love with everything I was finding out about it and the faculty.
What was your favorite band trip and why did you like it so much?
Getting to play at CBDNA in Athens, Georgia in February of 2023. It was the first time I traveled in an airplane and I had the absolute time of my life. It was a real treat to have all the composers of our program present for the rehearsal prior to the concert!
Do you have any advice for current WT students?
It seems stressful now, but time pays off when hard work is involved. We all chose this profession for the passion, so find ways to keep reigniting that flame and remind yourself of your "why."