Santa Fe Standard

Student musicians from Capital High School and Ortiz Middle School have gained recognition in New Mexico's music scene. Eleven guitarists from Capital High and 21 from Ortiz Middle were selected for the 2024 Regional Honors Guitar Orchestra, which took place at Albuquerque Academy from November 14 to 16.

These students joined others from central New Mexico for an event that ended with a public concert on November 16 at Simms Auditorium. The gathering included 98 middle school guitarists from 17 schools and over 110 high school guitarists from ten schools. Capital High and Ortiz Middle were the only representatives from Santa Fe schools.

The Regional Honors program provides students with opportunities to collaborate with talented peers under skilled conductors, highlighting the strength of music education at these schools under the guidance of Gwen-Marie Lerch.

In addition to this achievement, three Capital High guitarists have been chosen for the 2025 All-State Guitar Ensemble hosted by the New Mexico Music Educators Association. Seniors Bruno Caraveo and Amado Garcia, along with freshman Angel Rascon, succeeded in a competitive audition process that attracted many submissions statewide.

This ensemble will take place at the University of New Mexico from January 8-11, where participants will engage in intensive rehearsals led by renowned conductor-educators, culminating in a performance at UNM’s Popejoy Hall.

"Being selected for All-State is a tremendous honor that speaks to the dedication and talent of these students," said Gwen-Marie Lerch, Director of Guitar at Capital High School and Ortiz Middle School. "Bruno, Amado, and Angel have worked incredibly hard to master their craft, and this opportunity will allow them to grow as musicians while collaborating with some of the finest student guitarists in the state."

She noted that working with university-level educators offers invaluable experience for aspiring musicians. The All-State Guitar Ensemble not only showcases these students as "the best of the best" but also highlights thriving music education programs at Capital High School.