My interest for music began from a very young age. My father began teaching me guitar starting from the age of 4. My father, having an extensive knowledge of many international songs and musicians, would also play for me songs from great artists, like Pedro Infante and Frank Sinatra, from a young age. I started playing the saxophone at the age of 10, and I instantly fell in love with it. In middle school, I would play with the school concert band in festivals and normal school concerts. I would also play in middle school honor bands. When I was 14, I auditioned and was accepted into Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, a magnet arts school in Maryland. I currently attend this school as a senior. Over my past three years at this high school, I have played with the school’s concert band, symphony orchestra, jazz band, and commercial band. The past three years I have participated in All-County Solo and Ensemble Festivals and have won superior ratings all three years. The past two years I have auditioned for the All-County Concert Band and have received second chair both years. Last year (junior year), I auditioned and was accepted into the All-County Jazz Band as well. In my sophomore year, I was invited to perform with the PVYO Philharmonia at the Strathmore Music Center. The following year (junior year), I would audition and be accepted into the PVYO Wind Ensemble, and I would again be given the opportunity to play with them at the Strathmore Music Center. Currently, I rehearse and perform with the Williamsport Community Band outside of school, and I also play at a local church for a contemporary service every once a month. I continue working and will continue working to become a better saxophonist and to overcome myself and be a better musician overall.
You can find Roberto’s 2023 Contemporary Music Competition saxophone performance here.