Meet Maestro Rodrigo de la Peña

On arrival day to School last September, I met a wonderful couple, Mr. & Mrs. de la Peña from Cancun, Mexico. When they learned that I am the Music teacher, they told me that their son, Rodrigo Jr., loves to play the piano. I could tell that they were very proud of his talent and interested in making sure that he would have access and opportunity to play. The next day, classes began, and to my surprise, Rodrigo arrived to my IB Music class. Since that day, I have had the good fortune to teach this fine young man. He is both talented and a true gentleman. His piano playing impresses me, and he is motivated to improve his total musicianship. What also impressed me early on in the term was the fact that he willingly volunteered his free time in the greater community, helping strangers to clean up after tropical storm, Dorian. Last week, my IB music students had to perform for a jury of adjudicators. This process is helpful in receiving feedback for their full-on public recital next spring. Rodrigo selected Ocarina of Time Medley, by Konji Kondo. This medley has a broad scope of styles and dynamics and Rodrigo has it committed to memory. He seemed as comfortable playing this piece for a jury of four Music teachers and a panel of classmates as he looked wearing his Christmas-theme clothes during our dress-down day. 

I hope you enjoy the performance.

You’ll find countless opportunities to express your artistic interests at our School. The Arts make up one of the essential four pillars of a King’s-Edgehill School education.