A story of two trombones & student stories

William (pictured right with his wife, Linda) played this trombone in middle and high school, ultimately earning first chair in the regional band. He eventually passed his trombone onto his son Matthew when he joined band in middle school. Matthew was later surprised with a new trombone that he used in the marching band during all four years of high school in Pflugerville. The family donated both William and Matthew's trombones to Austin Soundwaves in October.

“[This musical] experience helped my confidence, and I was able to go on to get my undergraduate degree and a master's degree from the University of Chicago and doctorate from TCU.” - Matthew, 2022 instrument donor

Angel started in band at East Austin College Prep, where Austin Soundwaves provided the instruments and teacher for band classes; he has since become a part of the Austin Achieve High School Honor Band. Angel thinks band is fun and likes that the trombone is the only instrument that uses a slide to change notes.

Anselmo is an eighth-grader at East Austin College Prep; he joined the orchestra this year and just played in his first concert this past October. He likes the low sound of the viola, and his favorite thing about being in an orchestra is how the class works as a team. All of the students in his class were able to join orchestra without cost, and most play on instruments donated to Austin Soundwaves.