JAMES Lovato (12), an electric guitarist who focuses on indie music, says he wants to use his musician skills. Lovato says that playing the guitar is just a hobby, but he does record himself playing. So, if he wanted, he could even monetize his songs. 

A few different things inspired him to begin this plan such as his classes in eighth grade but more importantly, “I’m inspired by the music I listen to,” Novato said. It’s therapeutic and it helps clear his mind, but he also plans to learn different techniques for the guitar. “I want to know enough to be creative,” Lovato said.

Granger High School has a lot of unrecognized talent that is left unseen. There are some students who are musically talented and haven’t shown those skills at talent shows or other opportunities. Music is a large interest for many Lancers, so it’s interesting to discover what inspires them and what they have planned.

While Navaro started in eighth grade, some students began even earlier. Nele Maasmeier (11), a flutist for the symphonic and concert bands, began learning the flute at six years old. She was inspired primarily by her kindergarten teacher who introduced her to her main instrument, the flute. From there she received support from close ones and even private classes. At this point, she’s always been practicing the flute, but more recently has demonstrated her skills in her symphonic band class.

Nae Meh (10), another flutist, is similarly dedicated, but is currently practicing other instruments. She wants to be a teacher and help students find their calling and their instruments, so that’s why she’s practicing so much: to make a career out of her knowledge. She began in seventh grade when her teacher let her try some instruments that teacher had in the room, and that inspired her to take a music class to learn more. 

Meh originally wanted to try concert orchestra, but with a scheduling miscalculation, she ended up in symphonic band, too. Regardless, she still learned a variety of instruments and is still learning more today. “Now it’s my entire personality,” said Meh. She can play a few instruments including the French horn, cello, trumpet, and oboe.

Kevin Menjivar (11) is off to great start for his music career. He’s a guitarist who plays few other instruments, too. Since he has already begun, he’s been very passionate and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He first began playing with his brother and uncle, who inspired him to play the music he plays today. “I just got curious I guess,” Menjivar. 

In seventh grade, Menjivar learned more and realized that music is his future, so he plans to start a band. So far, he has been successful, since he leads the band AltoDestino playing primarily the guitar. But just in case, he can also play the accordion and bass to help and lead. Menjivar says that being able to sing and play can be a bit harder, but practice can help a lot.