Santiago Lopez, Cello

Santiago is currently 17 years old. He began playing the cello at ten years old while in fifth grade. He also enjoys playing a bit of the piano in his free time. The school he currently attends is J. Frank Dobie High School as a 12th grader. The summer after his sophomore year, he attended the Texas Strings Festival, which was a 10-day music festival experience. At Texas Strings, he was able to be a part of some musical experiences, such as a cello quintet, and to have cello lessons with the world-renowned cello professor Richard Aaron. Santiago achieved all 1’s in solo and ensemble projects during his high school years. He was selected for the symphonic all-region band in his sophomore and junior years, earning second and fourth chair, respectively. Currently, his orchestra director in his high school orchestra is Angela Badon, plus he takes cello lessons once a week with Dr. Bing Wei. Some hobbies that Santiago partakes in are watching shows with his brothers, playing video games on his computer (when he has the free time), going to new places and trying new foods, playing sports such as football and basketball, and he also enjoys practicing the cello. He also has three cats named, Eevee, Mia, and Yuki.