Senior Eric Trinidad receives Dave Koz scholarship

By Zoey Renteria

Senior+Eric+Trinidad+receives+Dave+Koz+scholarship

Senior Eric Trinidad was nominated by band director, Alexandro Contreras, to receive the Dave Koz scholarship. Soon after the nomination, Trinidad was interviewed by members of the El Paso Community Foundation and the Socorro Independent School District.

The next day, Trinidad received the long awaited news.

On Dec. 15, Trinidad received the $2,000 scholarship a the Plaza Theater. He is currently second chair in the area, which covers from the El Paso region all the way to Abilene.

“I didn’t think I was going to get it. When I did, I felt really honored, and it was really special to go on stage and meet him (Dave Koz) at his holiday concert at the Plaza Theatre,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad began playing instruments when he was in the sixth grade. At the time, he was not completely sure what he wanted to do when he grew up, but he decided to give band a try. His main instruments are the bass clarinet and the saxophone.

Trinidad has also gave jazz band a try, due to it being a requirement for the scholarship.

Before practicing any pieces, Trinidad begins his special daily warm-up. He finds that listening to a recording of the music really helps him learn a brand new piece of music by showing what it is supposed to sound like.

He spends about an hour or two every single day to increase confidence in his playing skills.

“Eric is a great young man. He’s extremely talented, dedicated and super respectful. He’s one of the most outstanding students I’ve ever met,” said band director Alexandro Contreras.