At ACG, we believe in the transformative power of music. We have witnessed firsthand how music can transcend boundaries, touch hearts, and make a positive impact in people’s lives.
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One of our favorite things at ACG is the long-term connections we make with students we met through our programs. We’re so grateful to have so many ACG alumni who move on to do incredible things with their lives.
This week we heard from past Javier Niño Scholarship recipient, Xavier Eric Briones.
We met Eric in our AISD public school programs. As he has shared with us on multiple occasions, he had to learn some difficult lessons early on in his youth. He was teaching himself to play guitar, had loads of talent and passion, and was eager for instruction.
“I met ACG thanks to a woman named Meredith McAlmond. I mention her name alot. She’s an amazing cellist, performer, and teacher who really cares about the students. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Ms. Meredith and I met when I transferred high schools and was just looking for an elective to just finish school.
At my previous school I took a classical guitar class just to pass and get an easy A. I expressed my interest to Ms. Meredith but they only offered orchestra at this new school. However, despite me not having real classical experience, nor the ability to read music or play well in my opinion. She was astounded and shocked at my playing and within a few days, she introduced me to ACG.
The only plans I had were to work till the day I died or go to the military to support my family since we were poor.
Thanks to ACG I met famous classical players like the Assad Brothers and Clarice Assad. I got to experience real classical music for the first time for free. I became inspired.
Then I met Tony Mariano at ACG. He was nice, caring, and genuine. He helped me out in so many ways I could go on about for hours. He gave me lessons until he introduced me to Evan Taucher.
Evan taught me theory and technique, and prepared me for college as by this time I was getting ready to audition and decided I was gonna do music seriously.
I took a serious gamble in deciding to audition for Miami. Although I know full well I couldn’t afford it, let alone could afford even community college, I had my sights set. Both ACG and Austin Soundwaves did their best to help me. They got me a ticket to Miami, Florida to help me audition.
I became a musician within 2 years, with over 40 hours of practice a week + school. With hard work, belief, and support you can do anything.
I like to think of ACG as a Family. They really helped me and so did Austin Soundwaves and of course Ms. Meredith. I am humbly grateful to all of them.”
Eric has a deep drive to help people who don’t have financial freedom, mentorship, or opportunities. He has a passion for bringing people together, bringing people up, and inspiring them to push through adversity the way he did. In fact, as a high school student, he volunteered to be a peer mentor in one of our ACG Juvenile Justice Services programs.
Since graduating from our programs last year, Eric has just finished his first year at University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida studying Music Therapy.
“My first year at college was an amazing experience. I got to meet many new people, and many new friends! It was an achievement I never expected to accomplish.
I am majoring in Music Therapy, with a track of mastering in Music Ed and Ph.D in Music Ed as well.”
Not only is he having an incredible time and making beautiful friendships, he also received not only the Sony Music Group Global Scholarship but also the presidential scholarship from the university to support him in a full ride for all four years!
“Being in Miami is so amazing. The weather is nice 90% of the time. Great School, great academics, and a great music program.
Some highlights have been playing volleyball, becoming a professional basketball trainer at UMiami and being able to play guitar with a band doing latin contemporary music. It’s been a blast!
I received the Quinn Scholarship, also known as the Sony Music Group Global Scholarship. But the university themselves provided me with the Presidential scholarship, and the Dean of the Music School gave me his own personal scholarship that led to a full ride scholarship with extra assistance that allows me to attend UMiami for four full years!”
One of our favorite things about music is the time it creates for togetherness that over time blossoms into relationships, friendships, trust, and treasured memories.
We’re so proud of Eric and can’t wait to see what he gets into next.
