Interview: Ashley Lucero - Composer and Guitarist
Ashley Lucero is a Texas based composer, performer, and teacher. Lucero was recently commission by the ACG Youth Orchestra for their Tour March 12th - 17th. In this interview, she discusses her compositions, and specific challenges and inspirations for the Youth Orchestra piece.
What are your earliest experiences in music?
My parents are both musicians, and my father’s side of the family has a history of musicianship for generations. I would attend my father’s concerts when he played the french horn in the community orchestra and I would create stories along with the music as I listened. I have been singing and creating my own songs for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest experiences with music performance, was singing Christmas music at nursing homes when I was about 6 years old while my sister played the piano. I was extremely shy and hated being complimented for my voice. I went on to learn piano and violin later. However, I never took as keen an interest in them as I did when I picked up the guitar at the age of 17.
What did you grow up listening too?
My parents were both 60’s babies so I heard a lot of 80’s hits around the house, but my dad was always listening to Beethoven and other various classical composers. I believe this really helped me in developing my ear. When I hit middle school, I continued to listen to classical music, but also began listening to a broad variety of styles such as punk rock, ska, and music from many other countries around the world. My parents tried as hard as they could to keep my from listening to pop music and rap when I was younger because they hated the message most of it sent, and I really appreciate that now in a way.
What are you doing now?
I am currently an adjunct professor at the Baptist University of the Americas in South San Antonio. There I am the guitar instructor and I also teach music theory classes. I am preparing to audition for USC in Los Angeles, and I gig pretty regularly as a soloist. I recently formed a new guitar duo with a good friend of mine, a Cuban guitarist, and we are called Duo Morningstar.
Can you talk about some of the themes you explore in your music? Both as a composer and performer?
As a composer and a performer, my goal is to be as honest as possible. By honesty, I mean avoiding the ego and my belief systems as a backdrop - because they can be very inhibitive. I believe that is the best way to connect with an audience and to improve as an artist.
What are some influences in your work?
I am highly influenced by the music that I play, so that changes depending on what I am learning and performing at the time. For example, my earlier music was highly influenced by Baden Powell, Astor Piazzolla, and Roland Dyens. While I studied at UTSA, my music reflected characteristics of my teacher Matthew Dunne’s music and Leo Brouwer along with my old influences. I also include elements of flamenco guitar in my solo works because I love playing flamenco and I have obsessively listened to Paco de Lucia for about 4 years straight.
How do you hope your work influences or affects others?
First off, I want people to know that it is possible for audiences to connect with contemporary classical music. Secondly, I hope that other young guitarist composers can be inspired by how hard I strive to write guitar music that is fun to play but is also sophisticated and challenging. Third, I want young women and those in disadvantaged positions to know that their struggles are valid and constructive towards their journeys as artists. And my own selfish hopes are that my music will open people’s hearts and minds to explore any imaginative inclinations they might have while listening to my music.
What are you hoping to accomplish as an artist?
To remain truthful in my composing, teaching, and performing, and to help others that so desperately want to do great things feel hopeful and confident in the possibilities that exist in their favor. I want to share my discoveries with anyone willing to listen to my music or my words.
Can you talk a little about your composition for the ACGYO?
Magpie Lullaby is a simple yet deceptively challenging piece written in four parts. It is based on the well-known lullaby by Johannes Brahms and features charming little harmonies and textures. Its meant to be a bit of a paradox because it is a lullaby that gets a little rowdy near the middle in homage to the talkative nature of the magpie, but ends with a satisfactory lulling nature.
What are some challenges to composing for a student ensemble?
When composing for anyone you must be aware of their skill level, so with a student ensemble it can be very easy to over-simplify things in fear that they won’t be up for a challenge. As an educator, I am very aware of how to push students’ limits so I think I can more successfully play off of that specific challenge in my writing.
How does working with this ensemble inspire you?
I have always been a fan of the ACGYO and Joe William’s work as a director. I played in the guitar orchestra at the Belton Guitar conference twice under his direction, so I know first hand his standards and expectations.
Seeing young guitarists play so refined is inspiring and to be a part of it is extremely exciting. I have taught young students ensemble music before and hope to do so again in the future, so seeing the possibilities through ACGYO’s work is inspiring for me as an educator.
If you would like to know more about the ACG Youth Orchestra Tour, you can click here.
'together' Artist Profile: Celil Refik Kaya - Composer
We are thrilled to be collaborating with some incredible artists for our January 24-26 season centerpiece together. Composer and guitarist Celil Refik Kaya has created a beautiful and moving new work for these shows: There Is Life In This Room. We asked Celil to tell us a bit about the process and a bit about himself.
Austin Classical Guitar: Tell us about together? What has this project meant to you so far, has anything surprised you?
Celil Refik Kaya: I believe this project is very enlightening in an age that people are disconnected from each other. Today, we as a society are more disconnected than ever. When we think about a family, it is like the smallest country. Family members love, trust and support each other. We should achieve this as humanity as well. When I heard the interview with the young patient, it was one of the most touching things I have ever heard, and I dedicated “There is life in this Room” for her. The title is taken from her interview expressing her feelings and life in the hospital room. I believe the commissioned pieces that we will hear for this project will change the way people see each other, and will guide us to have superior empathy toward each other.
ACG: What do you wish everyone knew about the process of creating, collaborating on, and sharing new music and new art?
CRK: Today new music and arts in general should be supported more. Performing, composing and sharing beautiful projects as artists are possible thanks to the support of people. People often don’t realize how important music is in our lives as a whole. It is everywhere—we almost don’t live a moment without it. New music and arts in general reflect our civilization, and people should realize how important this is not only for today but also for future generations. All the creation, collaboration and sharing process comes with a tremendous amount of work, practice and sacrifice just so we change people’s lives and touch people’s souls.
ACG: What’s it been like working with this team?
CRK: Working with the Austin Classical Guitar team is a wonderful experience. They are full of creative ideas and every project is meaningful and immortal in my opinion. I always think of an artist as a person of creativity rather than imitator or craftsman. Although we don’t create from nothing, the unique ideas come from an artist’s mind and this is what ACG is doing. Over the years, I enjoyed collaboration with Matthew Hinsley, Joe Williams and all my other friends in ACG team. I was able to express myself as composer and performer.
ACG: Tell us a little about what else you have going on - how can people learn more about you?
CRK: I have a busy performing schedule while teaching classical guitar privately. For the future, I have 4 CD projects coming up with Naxos records. I will be continuing recording the works of Agustin Barrios Mangore, Jorge Morel and Carlo Domeniconi. Sometime around next year my 4th recording, the music of Joaquin Rodrigo, will be released. I am currently planning on publishing new works that I have written including Five Turkish Folk Dances for solo guitar, Dicle ve Fırat (Tigris and Euphrates) for trio and many others. My recordings are on Naxos Records and can be found on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. Some of my compositions, recorded by me and my colleagues, are on Youtube. People can also visit my website for more information about concerts and other news.
If you would like to know more about the inspiration of 'together,' we invite you to read this article by Artistic Director, Joe Williams, and Education Director, Travis Marcum.
'together' Artist Profile: Isaac Bustos - Guitarist
We are thrilled to be collaborating with some incredible artists for our January 24-26 season centerpiece together. Guitarist Isaac Bustos has been with us since the beginning of this series playing in both i/we and dream, and many others. We asked Isaac to tell us a bit about this project and a bit about himself.
Austin Classical Guitar: You’ve been part of this series from the beginning. i/we, dream, together. What’s it mean to you?
Issac Bustos: It has been a powerful experience to be part of each of these projects because of the profound impact each event has had on me as an artist and person. I/WE, in particular, hit so close to home because of how I related to the refugee experience expressed in the interviews. This short anecdote encapsulates how significant this concert was for me: I vividly remember that while working on the solo of "I am not afraid", I was overwhelmed by how perfectly Joe's music captured the message of the text! I remember how my own experience was guiding my phrasing, the way I breathed with the music, which colors to bring out, what kind of touch to use on the strings, how loud/soft to play. All these things, obviously, are always part of our interpretative process, but the fact that they were serving a greater purpose - at least from my perspective - made the whole experience much more meaningful.
ACG: What do you wish everyone knew about the process of creating, collaborating on, and sharing new music and new art?
IB: The music, collaborative efforts, creation, and production of these new works of art reveal our humanity and how much we have in common. One of the most fascinating aspects of these events is the fact that most musicians involved in these concerts have never worked together! Somehow, however, the music brings us all together to serve a common purpose - which we in return share with audiences that have come to experience something new. This entire process takes open minds and hearts.
ACG: What’s it been like work with this team?
IB: Inspiring! The professionalism, dedication, and camaraderie are nothing short of exceptional. I have gotten to work with top-notch musicians in settings that allow the creative process to flourish. Plus, we get to share beautiful and impactful music.
ACG: Tell us a little about what else you have going on - how can people learn more about you?
IB: This spring is full of exciting new adventures for me! I have concerts with the Texas Guitar Quartet in Feb, March, and April! In the summer, we are touring Mexico. Plus, I am hosting the Southwest Guitar Symposium and competition in March (13-15) as part of my new position as director of guitar studies at UT -San Antonio! Then, a solo show in Anaheim, California followed by a performance of the Concierto de Aranjuez with the Rapides Symphony in Alexandria, LA. Lots of music to be made and I can't wait to share it with people.
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If you would like to know more about the inspiration of 'together,' we invite you to read this article by Artistic Director, Joe Williams, and Education Director, Travis Marcum.
'together' Artist Profile: Alejandro Montiel - Guitarist
We are thrilled to be collaborating with some incredible artists for our January 24-26 season centerpiece together. Guitarist Alejandro Montiel has been with us since the beginning of this series playing in both i/we and dream, and many others. We asked Alejandro to tell us a bit about this project and a bit about himself.
Austin Classical Guitar: You’ve been part of this series form the beginning. i/we, dream, together. What’s it mean to you?
Alejandro Montiel: I can’t believe this is the third and final one! It has all been building up to “together” - this idea that we are never alone. “i/we” dealt with the very real and terrifying act of uprooting your family to seek a better life for them. Through his harrowing story, our protagonist appealed to our shared sense of humanity. “dream”’s universal message of hopeful fear of the future in our youth successfully bridges across generations because we all share in the experience of growth, and we all remember how difficult it was (and in some cases still is). While I’m sad to see it end, “together” seems like the natural stopping point to the story Joe has been telling for the past three years. I’m so incredibly proud and fortunate to have played a small part.
ACG: What do you wish everyone knew about the process of creating, collaborating on, and sharing new music and new art?
AM: Birthing a new chamber work varies from one piece to the next. Sometimes the process is quite easy and will quickly comes together. Other times, it’s incredibly difficult and we’ll have to roll up our proverbial sleeves. Eventually, the piece reveals itself and the story begins to take shape. It’s during these “ah hah!” moments when I regain my sense of magic and wonder at the power of music - and it never gets old!
ACG: What’s it been like work with this team?
AM: It’s a bit like going to camp: I get to see old friends, make new ones, and then there’s a big performance at the end! For three years (four if you count “Persona”), the ACG team has had the difficult task of putting this production together and making it run smoothly. Their tireless professionalism never ceases to amaze and inspire me.
Working with spectacular musicians is always a highlight of my year. In the past four years I’ve learned so much from Hakan Rosengren, Louis-Marie Fardet, Esteli Gomez, DaXun Zhang, Chris Lyzak, Ta’tyana Jammer, Travis Marcum, and Line upon line, but it’s two-thirds of the trio at the core of the pieces whom I’ve learned the most from. Jennifer Choi’s ability to do anything and everything on the violin is frightening, but so amazing to watch from five feet away. Isaac Bustos, my friend and Texas Guitar Quartet brother, is someone I always look forward to working with because he makes it ridiculously easy. Jenni and Isaac are two of a handful of people I’ve played with in the past 25 years who share in my musical sensibilities, and I’m incredibly lucky I get to perform with them.
Of course, there’s Joe Williams. Every time he calls, I always say yes without asking what I’m doing. I know that whatever the project is, it will be beautiful, magical, and spiritually rewarding. It’s Joe’s vision we are bringing to life - his lead we are choosing to follow and believe in. I’m going to do my very best to help.
ACG: Tell us a little about what else you have going on - how can people learn more about you?
AM: This spring semester, I start my 11th year at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. In addition to being part of Conspirare’s world-premiere recording of Nico Muhly’s “How Little You Are”, the Texas Guitar Quartet has been hard at work on an album of new compositions which we hope to have ready by next year. I’ve been arranging a few pieces (one of which will be performed in “together”) which should yield some exciting new collaborations! I’m also traveling to Virginia, New Orleans, and Brownsville with the quartet as part of a few festivals and residencies, and we’re planning a multi-week summer tour of Mexico.
While I personally keep a very low online profile, people can learn a little bit more about my main project, the Texas Guitar Quartet via our website.
'together' Artist Profile: Russell Pinkston - Composer
We are thrilled to be collaborating with some incredible artists for our January 24-26 season centerpiece together. Composer Russell Pinkston has created to beautiful and moving new works for these shows: AloneTogether and Nobody Tells You. We asked Russell to tell us a bit about the process and a bit about himself.
Austin Classical Guitar: What has this project meant to you so far, has anything surprised you?
Russell Pinkston: It’s truly an honor to be part of this project. I think what ACG has done the past two seasons is wonderful, both artistically and in terms of the underlying concepts. I am sure that “together” will be just as powerful and well-produced and I hope that my little pieces will contribute in some small way. I’m especially looking forward to working with these great musicians!
ACG: What do you wish everyone knew about the process of creating, collaborating on, and sharing new music and new art?
RP: I first got into writing music when I was playing in a “Prog Rock” band in New England, back in the late sixties and early seventies. We had a pretty big following and we played all over the northeast, mostly doing our own music. We lived in a rambling old farm house in Vermont, which had a separate outbuilding where we practiced and worked out our songs and arrangements. For a songwriter/arranger, there’s just nothing quite like the experience of coming up with a new idea, sharing it with your friends/fellow musicians the same day, working out the arrangement collaboratively, and then performing it together onstage – sometimes that very night. And best of all, to be playing your own music for people who know you, have come to hear you, and really appreciate what you’re doing – that’s an amazing experience! Since leaving rock ‘n roll and becoming a “Composer” with a capital “C,” I haven’t had that kind of musical fellowship very often, and I miss it. Writing music for other people to perform is a very different, much more solitary experience. But when I finally get to hear what I’ve written played, especially by such outstanding musicians as I have been privileged to work with over the years, it’s no less of a joyful and satisfying experience. Delayed gratification, if you will! One of the pieces I wrote for this event is called “Alone, Together,” and it’s about the joy of communal music-making, and how it can lift us up when we’re feeling isolated.
ACG: What’s it been like work with this team?
RP: Well, I’ve certainly enjoyed my conversations about the project with Joe and Travis, and I’m looking forward to working with the musicians in the near future. I hope they like what I’ve come up with for them!
ACG: Tell us a little about what else you have going on - how can people learn more about you?
RP: Since retiring from UT after 35 years of teaching there, I’ve been splitting my time between Harpswell, Maine, and Austin. One of my great joys has been starting to study classical guitar (with Joe Williams). I was a self-taught electric blues/rock guitarist back in the day, but I never really knew what I was doing. I’m loving the experience now – practicing a lot, unlearning bad habits and discovering the wonderful literature for this instrument. Playing classical guitar is right up there with sailing these days – at least, when I’m up in Maine! There’s more of my music, for anyone interested (including some of my rock ‘n roll) on my website. Thanks for listening!
If you would like to know more about the inspiration of 'together,' we invite you to read this article by Artistic Director, Joe Williams, and Education Director, Travis Marcum.
Postcards: Americas High School - El Paso, Texas
Postcards is an Austin Classical Guitar (ACG) and GuitarCurriculum.com series that explores the guitar programs around the nation and strives to bring the guitar teacher community together.
This week’s Postcards is written by Adrian Saenz, guitar director at Americas High School in Socorro ISD* in El Paso, Texas. He is currently in his 16th year of teaching at Americas HS and his 20th year in public education. In the larger guitar community of Texas, Saenz edited and revised the UIL Guitar Prescribed Music List from 2007 to 2016. Saenz also holds a bachelor’s degree in general music from UTEP, a master’s degree in music education from NMSU, and as a guitarist, he studied under Stefan Schyga, Aquiles Valdez, and John Siqueiros.
In this postcard, Adrian Saenz discusses the successes of his guitar program, but he also talks about some of the challenges his program faces due to district policies and changes.
Postcard from Americas High School in El Paso, Texas
By Adrián Sáenz
Hello from El Paso! In this postcard I’d like to share a bit about us, a challenge, and an inspiration.
About us: There are three major school districts in El Paso Region 22 (El Paso ISD, Ysleta ISD, Socorro ISD) and four smaller districts. Within these districts, there are approximately 25 high school guitar programs and a few middle school programs. Americas High School (AHS) is in Socorro ISD.
AHS has seen particular success at UIL Contest. We usually register one of the largest entries at regional UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, and a lot of our students advance to Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC). A high percentage of students even receive number 1 ratings at TSSEC.
On an individual student level, AHS Guitar has had 3 outstanding soloists at TSSEC (2012, 2015, and 2016). These outstanding soloist awards were accompanied with offers of full scholarships to continue their studies at various Texas universities, including UTSA and Sam Houston. Many of our guitar students have gone on to study at North Texas and UTEP. Perhaps our biggest accolade is Dario Barrera who received a full scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music in 2018 and is currently studying under Oren Fader.
A challenge: My enrollment has dropped over the last 3 years, so I am rebuilding. One reason is that students are now required to select an endorsement (Graduation Plan) in middle school leading into high school (you can read more about this plan here). Band, orchestra, and choir students in the middle school feeder programs mostly select this endorsement, and the other career paths only allow for 1 year of a fine arts class. Compounding this issue is the lack of middle school guitar programs, meaning students are not seriously studying guitar at the time they are making these important decisions.
Lastly, because Texas has just one fine arts requirement, there are many “one-and-done” students who just need to fulfill the single fine arts credit requirement. So I often have high numbers in the beginner classes with low enrollment in the upper classes.
To counteract this I am advocating for more middle school guitar programs. Currently, I am personally teaching 40 students at a local middle school split across two guitar classes. We also have a phenomenal Mariachi instructor who is teaching four beginner guitar classes in an effort to build up our guitar program. The students in these classes will be able to enter the intermediate guitar class at AHS their freshmen year.
An inspiration: I took a trip, along with the Socorro HS guitar director, to Austin in 2016. The purpose of the trip was to observe the Guitar Concert and Sight-Reading Contest in Austin ISD. We were impressed with the quality of high school and middle school guitar programs from Austin ISD and around the state of Texas that participated at the Austin ISD Guitar Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.
This inspired us to build our own Guitar Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. And In 2017, we were able to implement the Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation at Socorro ISD. In 2019 all 6 high schools in the Socorro District registered a Varsity and Non-Varsity group for 12 total groups. This was made possible with the help and guidance of Austin Classical Guitar and Edward Grigassy and Susan Rozanc from the Texas Guitar Directors Association.
In conclusion: The Socorro ISD high school guitar programs believe in the importance of advocating for music instruction; to teach the correct methods, techniques, best practices, and music literacy to elevate the status of the guitar. In order to secure the guitar’s future, we must establish guitar programs that are aligned to the national and state music standards to provide guitar students with a high-quality level of instruction. Socorro ISD is committed to elevating the guitar programs through the development of music education, establishing the guitar concert and sight-reading evaluation, and developing performance skills necessary for acceptance to music universities.
Guitar Segment ends at 1:36
And finally, I am excited to work with Dr. Joseph V. Williams II, Artistic Director at Austin Classical Guitar, on their ‘together’ Youth Orchestra Tour in March. Their kids will work with our kids here in El Paso, and make something beautiful for our community.
And that’s it from El Paso for today! If you come to our city, I hope you’ll stop by and see us.
Adrián Sáenz, Guitar Director
Americas High School/Clarke Middle School
*ISD Stands for Independent School District
We’d love to hear about guitar in your part of the world next! Reach out to Jess Griggs anytime with your story and a photo or two.