By DAVID LOPEZ
Special to the NEWS
Former SBHS student Gabriella Beltran from the class of 2017 recently found herself performing every night for two weeks in Tucson for the musical production of “Wicked.”
In late January, the “Wicked” touring company arrived in Tucson, where Beltran is working on her master’s degree. Looking for local musicians to play along with their touring musicians, the production company hired Beltran after she was recommended by her colleagues.
“It was a really really great experience,” Beltran said. “I know it’s going to look so great on my resume for future jobs and opportunities, and it was great to be one of the younger performers on the team.”
Being 23, Beltran stood out from the other seasoned musicians on the team, who were above 40 and 50 years of age.
Currently, Beltran is studying music performance in oboe at the University of Arizona with plans to graduate in the spring of 2023. Previously, she graduated from A&M Kingsville with her undergraduate degree in music performance in 2021.
At San Benito High, Beltran was dedicated to music and was encouraged by Mr. George Mujica to further pursue the art in college.
“I just couldn’t give it up in college,” Beltran said. “I love getting to know the music and learning the backgrounds of it, like the reasons people write the music, which makes it a historical experience.”
Outside of school, Beltran performs with a woodwind quintet, who perform in public, at schools, or in community centers, like retirement homes.
“Currently, I am sending in recordings to attend summer music festivals where musicians audition. They get to visit the festival and learn among other musicians,” she said.
Beltran said she has not had a chance to visit San Benito since moving to Tucson, but she plans to see her family this summer. However, for future career prospects, she plans to stay in Arizona.
“I love that Tucson is a bigger city compared to Kingsville and San Benito, with more opportunities in performing and teaching,” Beltran said.
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