True Story
In fourth grade, Mrs. Owens introduced the entire class to song flute, an instrument very similar to the recorder. It was a lot of fun… so much fun that I kept getting the homework a week earlier than the rest of the class so I wouldn’t be bored! Once song flute class was done, we had the choice to join the “band.” I loved playing song flute, I might as well join, right? The first decision was deciding which instrument to play. Due to a lack of experience with classical music, very few instruments came to mind; none of which sounded appealing to me. When I was in line getting ready to turn in my band form, my friend asked what instrument I wanted to play. At this point, I had not written down an instrument on my sheet. A bit embarrassed at not knowing, I sneaked a glance at his form and read out what he had written: clarinet. What's a clarinet? kept repeating in my head as I submitted my form to Mrs. Owens. I went to the local music store and asked for a clarinet. When they opened the case to show me the instrument, it was love at first sight.
Educational Background
In 2009, Mr. Perez was accepted into the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach where he obtained a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Instrumental Performance (2012). In 2012, he returned to pursue a Master of Music (2014) as the graduate assistant for Dr. John Barcelona, director of woodwind studies. This is the time when he found a love for chamber music: coaching student chamber ensembles, performing with the University Wind Quintet, and freelancing with The Other Quintet at weddings, fundraisers, and tea parties.
Through the university, Mr. Perez has had the opportunity to perform at events like CBDNA in Reno, NV and Seattle, WA, including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Seoul Performing Arts Center in Korea. His teachers include Helen Goode-Castro, Dr. Michael Grego, and Larry Hughes. While in Los Angeles, he was a Performing Teaching Artist for Young Musicians Foundation, woodwind instructor for Anaheim City School District, taught clarinet classes at Saturday Conservatory of Music in Pasadena, given master classes with True Brass Choir, and has given back to local schools in need through music with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. |
Since moving to San Luis Obispo County in 2015, Mr. Perez has played with the Santa Maria Philharmonic, SLO Symphony, SLO Wind Orchestra, Cuesta Wind Ensemble, the clarinet choir Wind in the Reeds, and the newly formed chamber group called the Neptune Reeds. His goals are to advance music through education and share his passions for music with everyone. Formerly, he held the position of Music Education Director for SLO Symphony.
Abraham Perez is a freelance musician, instructor, and copyist with an affinity for photography. |