Harmonizing with nearly 80 top musicians, College of the Mainland student Joseph Rodriguez, of Texas City, played the trumpet Feb. 14 with the Texas Community College Directors Association All State Symphonic Band.

The band invited Rodriguez to play in San Antonio at the Texas Music Educators Association Conference after he sent an audition CD. Over 120 students from Texas community colleges audition for the opportunity to perform with the symphonic band, which has existed for 48 years.  
 
Directed by Bobby R. Francis, director of bands at Texas Christian University, the group practiced for eight hours a day for two days before the final performance to an audience of nearly 250 people.
 
“Playing for that many people gets me really excited,” said Rodriguez. “It’s really still, and everybody is tuned to one thing. You’re in the moment.”
 
While a Texas City High School student, Rodriguez performed at the high school and with the COM Concert Band. After graduation, he became a COM music major, taught by COM professor Sparky Koerner, and received the W. Todd Hall Performing Arts Scholarship.
 
Among the most respected community college music programs in Houston/Galveston area, the College of the Mainland Music Program prepares students to pursue their passion or a career in music.

Music students may select from six varied ensembles to further their skills in performance and music education.

For more about the COM music program, visit www.com.edu/fine-arts