News Summary
Angel Caro, a gifted guitarist from Conrad High School in Dallas, has made history by winning the Division I Outstanding Performance Award at the Texas State Solo-Ensemble Contest. His performance of Bach’s ‘Prelude in D-Minor’ impressed judges and reflects his deep personal connection to music during trying times. Caro’s achievement is a significant milestone not only for him but for the school’s music program, inspiring peers and creating a sense of community among music enthusiasts at Conrad High School.
Dallas, Texas – Local High School Student Achieves Milestone in Music
Angel Caro, a student at Conrad High School in Dallas, has made history by becoming the first guitarist from his school to win the Texas State Solo-Ensemble Contest’s Division I Outstanding Performance Award. The announcement of his achievement comes as he prepares to enter his senior year, marking a significant milestone for the school’s music program.
Caro’s performance of the classical piece “Prelude in D-Minor” by Bach caught the attention of judges during the competition. He expressed his surprise at winning such a prestigious award, noting that it was an achievement he never anticipated. Caro chose this specific piece because it offered him joy, peace, and calmness amidst the chaos of life, reflecting his personal connection to music during challenging times.
April Jones-Sigadi, the Choral & Modern Band Director at Conrad High School, shared her excitement over Caro’s victory, highlighting that no guitarist from the school had ever advanced to the state level before him. While the school has produced talented musicians in various categories, Caro’s accomplishment stands out as a first for guitarists.
One of the Few Recognized
This year, Caro was among only three guitarists in the state of Texas who earned the Division I Outstanding Performance Award. Prior to this achievement, many other talented musicians from Conrad High School had received accolades, but none in the guitar category.
Leading up to the competition, Caro experienced anxiety about his performance but managed to calm his nerves through dedicated practice. He began learning the guitar just three years ago, inspired by his older brother, who also plays the instrument. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Caro found solace in music, describing it as a way to escape feelings of isolation. He felt as if he was “floating in outer space” while immersed in his guitar playing.
Support from School and Peers
Jones-Sigadi praised Caro’s commitment and enthusiasm for music, noting that he does not require reminders to practice. Following his recent success, an influx of students from Conrad High School has expressed interest in taking guitar lessons from Caro and joining the band. His rising star in the music program has inspired students and created a sense of community around music at the school.
In addition to his accomplishments in music, Caro will serve as Conrad’s third command sergeant major this fall and is also involved in the school’s H-TECH program, showcasing his dedication to both academics and extracurricular activities. Liz Walker, the assistant principal at Conrad, described Caro as a “dynamo,” emphasizing the positive influence he has had on his fellow students.
Encouragement and Perseverance
Caro acknowledges that his persistence in learning guitar has been influenced by advice from his JROTC instructor, Command Sergeant Major Leon Johnson, who encouraged him to “not give up.” While he initially faced challenges in mastering the guitar, support from his brother played a crucial role in motivating him to keep playing.
With his landmark achievement and growing influence at Conrad High School, Angel Caro continues to pave the way for future guitarists. His journey exemplifies how passion and dedication can lead to success, inspiring not only his peers but also the broader community.
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- Google Search: Music Education
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