One of the wondrous things about music is that it welcomes us all on our own terms, each in our own way. For the next few Fridays we’ll share some different perspectives on ACG and its impact these past 35 years.
We’d love to hear your story! If you have something to share, please send it to [email protected]
Learn more about supporting ACG here.
Our first reflection is from Angelica Campbell, who is celebrating five years as our Director of Communications. But our relationship began long before that. We hope you enjoy her story.
My history with ACG goes back to my 7th grade mariachi class at Bedichek Middle School in South Austin in 2012. That year I participated in All City, an event where students audition for parts in a large ensemble, rehearse, then perform for our friends and families. I was invited to try out for that experience by the man who is now our current Director of Curriculum, Phil Swasey. At the time, though, he was beginning his first year of teaching Mariachi at Bedichek.
Enthralled by the All City experience, I joined the guitar program at Crockett High School. I graduated in just three years by which time I was deeply invested in both guitar and mariachi. Those classes shifted my path in life in the best of ways. It feels divine, the way things played out.
At that time, I was struggling with depression. Coming from a low-income household and a dysfunctional family, I didn’t know how to process or cope with adversity. It impacted me heavily, but coming to my guitar or mariachi class was the highlight of my week. My friends and I even spent most of our lunches in the music room. It was a safe space.
Crockett’s instructor, Ron Hare–who is still such a special mentor in my life–made the classroom environment feel safe and accepting. I felt comfortable being myself, and could process what I was going through expressively. I met some of my longest-lasting friends in those classes– friendships I still hold close to this day.
I had many special moments thanks to ACG. We had the chance to open up for the Assad Duo. We opened for Ana Vidovic at the Guitars Under the Stars gala. And I got to participate in a master class with Berta Rojas that was documented by PBS, just to name a few!
When graduation approached, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with myself. I was desperate for an experience outside of the one I was having so I pushed hard to graduate early. Ron inspired me to dream up meaningful goals and suggested the idea of going to music school, something I likely would have never thought to do on my own.
I wasn’t in a place to afford the instrument and lessons I would need to take music seriously. Ron assured me that it was possible and nudged me to try. He then introduced me to Matt Hinsley and Travis Marcum. That moment of connection changed everything.
Within weeks, I was given a donated guitar and began private lessons at Crockett with Joseph Palmer, another very special mentor who I am grateful to still be connected to. I dedicated months to preparing for auditions and earned the opportunity to study at the Butler School of Music at UT Austin in Adam Holzman’s guitar studio for my undergrad.
Music school was really difficult in the beginning with my relative inexperience. It was scary. I doubted myself a lot and debated stopping. Both Matt and Travis continued to check in on me, however, and offered support in any way I needed. I cannot express how much that added fuel to my flame. It meant the world to me. Throughout my studies ACG offered volunteer opportunities, gigs, and eventually two internships both in the office and in the classroom.
All the while I was still having amazing, one-of-a-kind, spectacular concert experiences! I got to participate in ACG’s 2018 collaborative film project, Dream, open up for the Brasil Guitar Duo at the very last Guitar Under the Stars gala in Feb. 2020, participate in Master Classes with Andrew Zohn, David Leisner, and Les Fres Meduses Duo at UT, and have paid performance opportunities to name a few.
Since graduating from UT, I’ve continued to grow and transform through ACG. I have had the opportunity over the last five years to learn new skills– communications and marketing– I’ve continued to witness and be part of beautiful and unique musical moments, make more life-changing connections, witness other young people experience things and transform like I did, and have the opportunity and blessing to live off my passion.
Life at ACG feels abundant. I’m grateful that my path crossed here. I’m grateful for the entire ACG family and community. I’m grateful and excited to see how much the organization has evolved and how much is accomplished every single day.
Thank you for going down memory lane with me.
With gratitude,
Angelica Campbell
