on a HIGH NOTE Making Music: Create a home studio page 6 Black Fret: Patrons of local music page 14 Classic for a Reason: Classical guitar in Austin page 20
winter 2016 issue
A ukulele photo by Iris Renteria
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello, readers! We wrote this magazine to share our love for music in a way that is easy and enjoyable to read. Much of the music world can seem inaccessible to the average person. Unreachable celebrities and expensive equipment put up a barrier. We are aiming to show a way around this barrier and showcase some ways that you can experience music here in Austin without having to pay much. Whether you want to start learning to play music, are only interested in listening, or are experienced and want to become more professional, we have an article for you. Enjoy! - Iris Renteria and the rest of the On a High Note team
The inside of Iris Renteria’s upright piano. Photo by Iris Renteria
DEC 2016 | 3
Table of Contents
Classical guitar
photo by Iris Renteria
Inside of a piano photo by Iris Renteria
4 | DEC 2016
03 06 10 12 14 18 20 23
Letter From The Editor Letter by Iris Renteria
Making Music A how-to for making your own home recording studio
Condenser VS Dynamic A comparison between the two main types of microphones
Music Venue Map A map of 7 best unappreciated music venues in Austin
Black Fret Profile on Black Fret, a music charity organization
Classical Guitar Construction A diagram explaining the different parts of a classical guitar
Classic For A Reason Classical guitar in Austin
Writer Bios Get to know our contributing writers
DEC 2016 | 5
Making Music
A how to for creating a home recording studio by Spencer Wallace
Many
first step to deciding the room you want to
you will probably have to do some amount
use is to figure out what level of recording
of construction to get your studio to a high
you want to do and who you will be
enough quality to record at that level. Many
people don’t think they have the
recording. Obviously,if you want to record
people are not too skilled when it comes to
necessary money and resources for creating
at a professional level, you will have to put
construction so be sure to know when to
their own home recording studio, but in
it more money for a higher quality studio
get professional help when needed. Google
modern times, it is possible to create a
space. Also, when you are recording more
is always one of the best places to start
one for several thousand to even several
people at once, you will need more space
when looking for help.
hundred dollars. All you need is a bit of
to comfortably fit everyone, as well as all
Once you have a good foundation for a
money and the right start, and you will be
necessary equipment. “You can only expect
studio, the equipment to record music
able to record good quality music in your
to be able to do certain things, you can’t
is the next step. The type of equipment
own home.
fit a whole band into a spare bedroom, but
that you should buy really varies because
Creating a home recording studio is not as
you can do a lot of stuff one instrument
everybody is recording different types of
daunting of a task as many people believe,
or track at a time to put together a whole
music in different spaces. The best advice
and the best way to ensure success is to
recording in a small space,” says Mark
here is to do your research and make
know your budget. Try to hold yourself
Genfan, owner of Acoustic Spaces. Know
educated purchases based off of your
to that as much as possible. It is better to
your limitations when it comes to space
needs. Theoretically, units with a higher
have a plan for how much you are going
and be practical. If you are recording as
price are of higher quality, so know your
to spend on the studio space the different
a solo artist or recording different tracks
budget and understand you may have
types of microphones you are going to buy, and any other amenities you want. Budgeting is the best way to keep yourself accountable for what you are buying and is
to sacrifice quality for
“When you’re interested in music and how it’s created, you’re very fascinated by the recording process. I was always interested in the studio aspect of music, I would see different images of studios or videos of artists recording and I would remember what was in there or how it looked” -Kwame Armstrong
price. “You really have to research and kind of stay away from the brands” says Kwame Armstrong. He has a basic setup of a vocal booth and his computer with a mixer and a few
a great way to make sure you don’t spend
by yourself and layering them, you may
microphones. Name brands often have a
too much. Also, the studio space is always
have a few more options because a single
higher price tag, so when he chooses to buy
the most important aspect of the studio as
person needs less room than a whole band.
a new mic, specs are always the first things
a whole. Make sure to research and find the
“[The room] wasn’t really that big, but
he looks at, making sure he is getting
equipment that bests suits your needs, and
the rest of the studio was maybe 10 feet
what he wants and needs at a good price.
create a budget for what you are going to
by 6, just a regular
buy.
bedroom. You don’t
The baseline of a studio and what can
need much space
really make or break it is the room that the
at all” says Kwame
studio is in. Many people underestimate
Armstrong, self
the value and importance of acoustic
recording vocal
treatment or having sound booths. The
artist. Finally, if you are recording at a
8 | DEC 2016
professional level,
Shure Sm-58
photo by Christopher Sessums
Stack of Scarlett 2i2 audio interfaces photo by Matt Vanacoro
excellent unit if you are okay with dropping
large and small, they’re certainly going
Choosing a microphone depends on what
$120-$150 on it. Once again, make sure
to have a lot of experiences that should
you are recording, such as vocals, higher
you look around at other products and find
give you some good information”. Lastly,
instruments or lower instruments. To
the one that fits your needs for the best
“Don’t drop 1000 dollars on a fully decked
further complicate the purchase, different
price/quality ratio you can find.
recording space with in-line speakers and
types of mics are specialized for different
For final tips, Carlson, Genfan and
lines of microphones if all you need is
types of instruments. “I think the SM-58
Armstrong provided different perspectives
slightly higher quality sound. Plan, and
is the best vocal mic on the market in that
to make sure that your experiences in
only purchase what you need” says Nate
price range, and I’m very happy with its
creating your home studio go as smoothly
Carlson when informing on how to make
performance,” says Nate Carlson, student
and easily as possible. “Take your time, and
smart purchases on only what you need for
and owner of a home recording studio for
less is more,” says Armstrong. “You don’t
your recording quality to be at the level you
his band, First Thursday. “The ES-57 is
have to go all out with the foam and have
need it to be at.
fairly good, and the Scarlett is fantastic”.
lights and have all the whole shebang. You
Creating a home studio is not as hard as
The Shure SM-58 is a good quality standard
can really get a good sound quality from
you may think as long as you know where
vocal mic for around $100, that is a good
the least amount of things”. Armstrong’s
to start and how to be smart about it.
starter vocal mic for any beginner. The
advice is for keeping your studio low in
Don’t underestimate the power of modern
band’s instrument microphone, the ES-57
cost, while having a good quality. “Do your
technology because having a decent sound
was bought for their needs, and Nate is
homework and get an educated stance,”
quality in recordings is now cheaper and
very pleased with its performance, so if
says Genfan. “Read books on studio
easier than ever.
you are looking for a good instrument mic,
building, get on the internet and read about
this may be a great option. The FocusRite
stuff. Talk to other people who are building
Scarlett 2i2 is a dual input audio interface,
studios by all means because if you talk
that has a bit of a higher price tag, but is an
to other people, other studio owners
Cover photo of Kwame Armstrong’s home recording studio Cover photo by Kwame Armstrong
DEC 2016 | 9
A comparison of the main microphone types. by Spencer Wallace
How it Works Condenser mics work by storing an electrostatic field between two plates, one of which is thin and flexible. This is the diaphragm, and when it vibrates in the presence of sound waves, the amount of energy between the plates fluctuates. Many condenser mics require an external 48 volts of extra power, often called “phantom” electricity to supply power to the electrostatic field. There are two main diaphragm sizes, which affects their ability to handle pressure, sensitivity and noise level. Small diaphragms are stiffer and less sensitive, but have a larger range because they can handle higher pressures. Larger diaphragms are more sensitive and less stiff, but can’t handle high pressure and loud sounds as well.
Best Beginner Models • • • • •
Uses • •
10 | DEC 2016
MXL 770 Cardiac Condenser $75 Behringer B-1 Studio Condenser $100 Audio-Technica AT2020 $99 MXL 990 Condenser $99 Samson C01 $70
String Instruments, except for louder bass guitars Most instruments that aren’t too loud
Best Beginner Models • • • •
Sennheiser E835 Dynamic Cardiod $55-$90 Blue enCORE 100 $55 Shure SM-58 $100-$110 Shure SM-57 $100
Uses • • • •
How it Works A wire coil is connected to the diaphragm in dynamic mics, and when the diaphragm picks up on sound and vibrates, the coil is passed back and forth by a magnet, creating an electrical current in the wire coil that is transferred through the wires. Because of this, dynamic mics are much more rugged and resistant to things such as moisture and pressure. They are good general use microphones that are used widely for live performances due to their overall ability to take a beating and still provide exceptional sound quality. They do not require external power because there is no electrostatic field to supply.
Bass Guitar Live Vocals Drums Most loud/high pressure instruments
DEC 2016 | 11
7
of Austin’s
BEST
Live Music Venues by Sofia Moore
As the Live Music Capitol of the world, Austin has many different music venues. Larger ones, like the Frank Erwin Center and Stubbs, are very well know, but there are many other venues that are deserving of recognition. Here’s a map of some of Austin’s most under appreciated venues.
The Parish 214 E. 6th St.
If you are looking for a place with fantastic sound quality and high quality tech and lights, the Parish meets these requirements. It has a large floor that is good for dancing, and a large array if different music genres play here, making it very diverse.
Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar Blvd.
If you live in Austin, chances are that you’ve heard of the Broken Spoke. Founded in 1964, this iconic landmark is a bit of a dive, but that is the charm. It plays honky tonk music, and also offers dance lessons!
Elephant Room 315 Congress Ave.
At the Elephant Room, there is a laid back vibe that is perfect for relaxing to the jazz that is played there. To make things even more enticing, shows there only cost around $5.
12 | DEC 2016
Cactus Cafe
2247 Guadalupe St.
The Cactus Cafe is a coffee house notorious for showing artists that get discovered and go big, such as Bob Schneider and Townes Van Zandt. This venue usually plays singer-songwriters.
The Mohawk 912 Red River St.
Rated best live music venue in Austin by the Austin Chronicle in 2015, the Mohawk is definitely a venue to see a show at. It has a 3 story patio which makes it perfect for intimate listening, and mostly plays indie and alternative rock.
White Horse 500 Comal St.
The White Horse was founded by the manager of Hole in the Wall, another well known Austin Venue. It plays indie country and is styled to look like a 70s lounge complete neon signs.
Continental Club 1315 S. Congress Ave.
The self proclaimed “grandaddy of live music venues� has been around since 1955 and became so popular in Austin that it actually spread to Houston in 2000. It plays rock, rockabilly, country, swing, and blues. DEC 2016 | 13
Black Fret
Patrons of Local Music by Sofia Moore
As an Austinite, you enjoy all the interesting places and activities in our town. We are home to many diverse festivals, delicious food and places to get in touch with nature, ensuring we never have a dull moment. With the large variety of movie theaters, clubs, and venues, you can do something every day of the week. Then there’s the music. Musicians seem to be everywhere in Austin. Walk down the block you can almost always find someone playing an upbeat tune on a worn guitar that you can’t help walking in time with. Our city has a certain lively vibe, and all Austinites find a source of pride. You can’t imagine Austin without its lively music scene as it is such an integral part of our community, but what are you doing to keep those musicians from leaving? Everyone wants to make sure that our musicians keep writing their music, but it’s never been easy to live as an artist. Things go wrong. Records don’t always sell, instruments can break, and rent might be raised. Stuck playing shows at bars where no one is listening or tipping well, a steady income is almost impossible to find through music. Through all of this, it is tough to continue to create music. Life always has a way of getting in the way, and our musicians need help. That’s where Black Fret comes in. They are a non-profit organization devoted to helping some of the most talented musicians in Austin follow their calling in life by giving out grants, throwing concerts to showcase different bands and create a community where members support each other. Started in 2014 by Colin Kendrick and Matt Ott, this organization has now given grants to almost 300 musicians and plans to keep giving. Kendrick says they gave donors a way to support musicians and, “We’ve given gravity to a community that existed in Austin that
was people who had disposable income who Black Fret Logo were donating to charities that wanted to is pretty simple. First, Black Fret takes support the local music scene.” about 800 local bands that have been Kendrick has been committed to nominated by members and the advisory Austin music since he was young. board and narrows it down to only 20 in Growing up here, he used to sneak out a 3-month process, working with several to see bands often. After he completed professionals in the music business to help his undergraduate’s degree in audio see the potential of each musician. Those engineering, he worked with Austin City 20 bands, the cream of the crop, become Limits doing minor jobs like wrapping the bands that are cables and up for grants that setting up year. This means microphones, Black Fret will put eager to be on private concerts involved in at venues all over music in any town for all of way possible. In them so members 2001, he realized can come and that there evaluate who weren’t many they are going to organizations vote for to get the helping bigger grants and musicians, so who they think he started the should get the Daniel Eyes and The Vibes (2016 grant nominees) Austin Music photo by Nicola Gell smaller ones. Foundation. Still These concerts seeing that more aid are some of the reasons Black Fret has the was needed, he again felt the need to start a members that it has. When you have to pay charity devoted to supporting Austin music. $100 a month, it deters people without a “It seemed pretty obvious there was an large income from joining. Maybe you, the opportunity to create something like a reader, don’t understand why people would symphony or an opera that targeted popular want to join. That’s where the members liberal music, particularly in Austin,” says themselves can help you understand. Kendrick. “The cost can be justified in several different Now that the idea was there, it needed a ways,” says Black Fret member John name. Moore. “To go out and spend a night on the “So a fret being the thing you pin the guitar town is not cheap to begin with, but you’re strings against on the neck of the guitar is getting more from it than just entertainment a pillar of which against music gets made,” value. It’s something that I think everyone says Kendrick.”Black Fret is that. We are should be aware about, giving back to their a pillar in the community that tries to help community. And that’s something everyone music get made.” should do.” Now the organization has a name is The concerts are personal and really all finding artists with a future to help out. about the music, as members aren’t going The process of getting the bands together
DEC 2016 | 15
The Rocketboys (2014 grant winners) photo by Chad Zellner
just to have a good time. When they go, they are going to assess the bands and who they will vote to receive the grants. This means everyone is quiet and respectful. No one is trying to talk to their friend while the band is on, no one is on their phone and not paying attention, and no one is being so loud you have to wonder if they even know they are at a concert. Not only that but the concerts play early; in the evenings from 8 to 10, leaving room for 2 different artists as well as a special guest. “I think it’s literally the only place in town that you can see all the best bands in Austin consistently playing early shows,” says Kendrick. After Black Fret has put on what they deem to be enough concerts, it’s time for everyone to vote on which bands they would like to see receive grants. They can choose from
“A hand written lyric sheet gets you $300”
the 20 bands that were showcased, or they can choose any other local band that they think deserve a grant. “[I vote for] the ones that I really like,” says John Moore when asked how he decides who to vote for. “The ones that I think really need it. The past couple years the bands that I’ve been voting on aren’t even in the drop down box … [I’m voting for] something that really gets me moving in my heart. Something that sounds good, sounds crisp. [I’m] not look for ‘ok, you’re going to go somewhere,’ [I’m] going for what [I] like today.”
16 | DEC 2016
Once all the members have submitted their votes, the grants are given out at the biggest event on the Black Fret Calendar: The Black Fret Ball. Taking place at the Paramount, members dress up in black tie and come listen to the grant finalists one last
“I think it’s literally the only place in town that you can see all the best bands in Austin consistently playing early shows.”
time. Members look forward to eating the exquisite catered food provided for them usually from Central Market, socializing with other members and dancing the night away. At the very end, the 20 bands are brought up to receive their grants. Half will receive $15,000 and the other ten will receive $3,000. You may think that that’s where the process ends, but you would be mistaken. Although the money is theirs, the bands don’t get it all at once. They have to unlock it through different activities. “A handwritten lyric sheet gets you $300,” says Kendrick, listing some examples. “A demo recording gets you $400, a professionally recorded and digitally mastered engineered recording gets you $400, releasing a song on a record gets you $300, playing a tour date outside of Austin gets you $250, international $500.” These little prizes help ensure Black Fret is investing in their future, not just giving them a free handout. As the bands do more and more, the money will add up. The task
that unlocks the most money is playing for another local charity, as that is worth $1,000. This just further exemplifies that the Black Fret gives back to Austin. Once the grants are unlocked, bands can do with them what they will. For The Rocketboys, a $15,000 grant winner, it saved their tour. “Last year we were up in Maryland and we got in an accident and totaled our van and trailer,” says Brandon Kinder, the Rocketboys lead singer. “If it wasn’t for the Black Fret people, I mean, because of them we were able to buy a new van right then and there and we were able to keep on going. So it’s been a real life saver and we’ve gotten to do a lot more cool things because of the resources that they give to us.” Bands like the Rocketboys have gotten more than just the grant money come of their relationship with Black Fret. Because of the community Black Fret has created, they have gained access to people in the music industry that can take them to the next level. The Rocketboys were able to get in contact with someone who works for a radio station as they were about to release a new record, and radio play really helped them sell more of their songs. Although it isn’t realistic to expect everyone to be able to donate the $100 a month required to be a member, no one can ignore the importance of the work Black Fret is doing. By supporting local artists, they are supporting Austin and keeping our music scene alive.
Collage Photos from top left to bottom right: Golden Dawn Arkestra photo by Nicola Gell, Ray Prim photo by Anna Mazurek, Harvest Thieves photo by Nicola Gell, Calliope Musicals photo by Nicola Gell, Dan Dyer photo by Nicola Gell, Walker Lukins photo by Nicola Gell, Leopold and His Fiction photo by Nicola Gell, Brownout photo by Nicola Gell, Nakia photo by Nicola Gell, The Peterson Brothers photo by Nicola Gell, Sweet Spirit photo by Anna Mazurek, The Rocketboys photo by Davep Photography, Bee Caves photo by Nicola Gell, Magna Carda photo by Nicola Gell, Swimming with Bears photo by Nicola Carda, The Name Sayers photo by Nicola Gell
Helping Texans Make Music Since 1963! Pianos, Guitars, Band & Orchestra, Amps, Keyboards, Pro Audio, Recording, Drums, Sheet Music and More!
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Since 1963... A place where customers become friends! DEC 2016 | 17
Classical Guitar by Iris Renteria
CONSTRUCTION Bracing:
Bracing affects the sound of the guitar. Guitars can be made with either symmetrical or non-symmetrical bracing. Fan bracing is the most commonly used.
Body:
The main part of the guitar. Back: The flat piece of wood on the back of the body
Bridge: The wooden strip where strings are attached. Saddle: The piece of wood that the bridge is mounted on
Sound Hole: Lower Bout:
Cicular section of the body.
Soundboard/Top: The front of the guitar. 18 | DEC 2016
The circular hole cut into the soundboard Rosette: The decorative circle around the soundhole
Upper Bout:
Cicular section of the body, slightly smaller than the lower bout.
Some parts of a guitar are easy to identify, such as the strings or the neck. However, there are many other items that are less widely known. This diagram goes into more detail, and provides names and descriptions for some of those items.
Nut: Fretboard/Fingerboard:
The white strip that has grooves to guide the strings to their respective places in the headstock
The front of the neck, the section with frets.
Headstock:
The piece of wood located at the end of the neck to which the tuning machine is attached.
Neck:
The long piece of wood between the body and the head
Frets:
Metal strips inlayed into the fingerboard. There are generally 12 frets off of the body
Tuning Pegs:
The pegs that are used to tighten and loosen the strings and change their pitches.
Strings:
The six nylon wires that are played on.
DEC 2016 | 19
Classic for a Reason on classical guitar in Austin by Iris Renteria
The back of Iris Renteria’s classical guitar. photo by Iris Renteria
Classical music usually isn’t what comes to mind when the guitar is mentioned. A person is more likely to think of the exciting riffs of an electric guitar or the soft chords of an acoustic. Contrary to the common belief, classical guitar is an interesting thing and there is a rich and vibrant community of classical guitarists growing in Austin. Many people come to Austin because of the existing resources, which leads to the community growing further. A big contributor to the classical guitar scene in our city is Austin Classical Guitar. The nonprofit organization endeavors to “inspire individuals in our community through experiences of deep personal significance,” says current director Matthew Hinsley. He moved to Austin at age 20 to
20 | DEC 2016
start his master’s degree and inherited the pre-existing organization. However, the association was radically different at the time. The budget was very small and the set of programs was limited. “A lot of my job was chief volunteer to do everything.” Hinsley says. Nowadays, things are done on a much larger scale. The organization currently runs a wide variety of classical guitar programs on a budget of about $1 million. As the resources have shifted, so have the goals. ACG now focuses mainly on education, especially teaching middle and high school students across the city how to play guitar. “A lot of the students that we see in the guitar programs across the district are students who are coming to music for the first time,” says Travis Marcum, director
of education at ACG. The programs teach students how to read music, play those notes on the guitar, and work with other students to perform the pieces learned. There are a few other cities where classical guitar is taught in more than just a few schools, but Austin is unique in that students are learning solely classical guitar and are being taught in a way that means they can all play together for district-wide events. It is also unique because the district works together with ACG to instruct the students instead of running everything on its own. The guitar instruction that ACG facilitates is valuable not only because it teaches students how to play classical guitar music, but also because it offers them a wide variety of life skills such as perseverance and professionalism. Learning to play an instrument like classical guitar can greatly increase a student’s sense of self-worth.
“Something changes when you have something that you’re good at.” - Travis Marcum “Developing your identity around something that you know you’re successful doing is really important for young people, because something changes when you have something that you’re good at,” says Marcum. Many of the students that join guitar classes that are offered in schools haven’t found something to latch on to, that they can say they are good at or passionate about, and learning classical guitar provides a great opportunity to find that. “I didn’t listen to
classical guitar, I didn’t know it existed,” says Thomas Echols, a classical guitar teacher in Austin who works with ACG. “When I found out I was excited, there was so many hidden master works that were written for this instrument. It’s like secret portal into this hidden realm.” For him and many others, learning classical guitar was a very valuable experience. “A lot of times your confidence level doesn’t develop, your
that a lot of people want to play, at whatever level you might want to play it at, it’s a great way to make connections. I see quite a bit of growth in that arena.” This growth and change will raise Austin’s classical guitar programs to an even higher standard than they already are already at. The next-largest classical guitar organization is less than half the size of Austin Classical Guitar, and it’s a nation-wide group. The largest local organization is barely
skills where you understand how to really work hard at something and refine it until it’s perfect, you don’t get that experience unless you have that thing that you’re really working hard at,” says Marcum. Classical guitar can also provide an avenue of expression for the many high school and middle school individuals who struggle to express themselves with language. “Music offered me an avenue of expression for a multitude of emotions and feelings that wasn’t available for me just through words,” says Marcum. “... it really helps young people and adults as well to be just true, round human beings. It helps you express and to be more human.” Austin Classical Guitar has already changed the face of classical guitar in Austin significantly by teaching many people about classical guitar and how to play a guitar, and it has plans to change it even further in the future. “I try to do my best to get people around me excited about the great things that music can do for our community, and the great things it already does for our community,” says Hinsley. “I think in the next several years we will see a dramatic increase in the amount of service in this program we have building throughout Texas and the United States and possibly beyond. Guitar is a powerful instrument, something
one fourth of the size, at least budget-wise. Austin Classical Guitar is the largest classical guitar program in the country. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Hinsley says Austin Classical Guitar gets to trailblaze a path for other cities and states to follow, but that is a very large weight to bear. Austin Classical Guitar has no peers to base their work off of, which can be challenging. Regardless, he and others have found inventive solutions. “We have to look at other disciplines to try and learn and improve. And there’s much learning and improving to be done! We are a large fish, I suppose, in a very small pond, as it were. But at the same time it’s also exciting because a lot of people come here to learn. And we take that role very seriously.” Many people consider classical guitar to be an amazing instrument that offers many benefits. Classical guitar songs tell a story in a way that no other styles of guitar can, they provide their own melodies and countermelodies. However, some people may still stereotype the classical guitar and its music. This may be because they think classical guitar is boring or not good for anything but relaxing background music. In fact, slow and relaxing music is only one small part of the pieces played on a classical guitar. Flamenco guitar, for instance, is incredibly fast and exciting, as are many more modern
A Cordoba C5 classical guitar. photo by Sam Ash
DEC 2016 | 21
classical guitar pieces. Other people can be afraid of classical guitar because classical music can seem full of rules and regulations. “Sometimes people get the impression that if they don’t get it, classical music is not for them, but that’s not the case.
“Fourths were never not beautiful.” - Thomas Echols “Empowering listeners is so important,” says Echols. “When I first learned that fourths were dissonant, I thought that was crazy, the way I
was thought made me feel like I was hearing wrongly. But in fact music is full of different games. Fourths were never not beautiful.” Classical music is full of nuance, and while a practiced listener may be able to hear the shifts in tone and identify the form of the piece, that does not mean they are “better at enjoying classical music.” Music is meant to be listened to over and over, and that is especially true for classical guitar music.
Iris Renteria’s Cordoba C5 classical guitar. photo by Iris Renteria
22 | DEC 2016
Meet the Contributors!
SOFIA MOORE
IRIS RENTERIA
Sofia Moore has played guitar, ukulele, and keyboard for 4 years. She also has some experience playing recorder, as it was mandatory in the 4th grade. Her favorite instrument is the ukulele because it compact and makes everything sound happy, and her favorite band is The Strokes. If she were to start a band, she would name it Apocalyptic Pie.
Iris Renteria has been playing classical guitar for 4 years and has been taking piano lessons for 9 at Armstrong Music School. The instruments she would most like to learn next are the mandolin and the upright bass, and her favorite musicians are the Dandy Warhols, Mashrou’ Leila, and Tom Rosenthal. If she were to start a band, she would make someone else name it for her because making decisions is hard.
SPENCER WALLACE Spencer Wallace has been playing the trumpet for 3 1/2 years, so it is by far his favorite instrument. He usually enjoys playing jazz music, but as long as he can play loud, everything is alright. In his free time, Spencer enjoys hanging out with his friends, practicing his trumpet, and climbing trees. His favorite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and if he were to start a band, he would name it Finite Infinity.
DEC 2016 | 23
The Austin skyline from the front of the Long Center photo by Spencer Wallace