Harding alumnus and U.S. Navy Band member Tony Garcia came to campus in order to perform as a guest artist with Harding’s Wind Ensemble on Feb. 21.
Garcia began playing the trombone at age 12 and eventually won the top music scholarship Harding has to offer when he enrolled in the fall of 2000. While at Harding, Garcia studied with the director of bands Dr. Michael Chance and performed with nearly every ensemble at Harding. He participated in both Spring Sing and musical theater while at Harding, including a production of “The Music Man” in which he played the role of the main character, Professor Harold Hill.
Garcia was excited to be back on campus and said that some of his favorite college memories were performing on stage as a student.
His senior year, Garcia was even voted “outstanding music major” by the department of music, and was also a finalist for the International Trombone Festival’s Marstellar competition.
After graduating, Garcia moved to Tennessee to study with Dr. John Mueller at the University of Memphis where he began a master of music degree in Trombone Performance, and continued to perform with several of the university’s ensembles. Since then, Garcia has performed in other capacities including several prestigious orchestras, symphonies and even a Broadway musical.
Garcia is now residing in Jacksonville, Fla., where he performs as a member of the Navy Band Southeast, and is also teaching privately and freelancing in the area.
Garcia admitted that although he attempted other career choices, he always just came back to wanting to perform.
According to Garcia, the Navy Band has enabled him to do just that, and has been an incredible part of life since then.
“I’m doing what I love and I found a way to make money at it,” Garcia said. “I know how fortunate I am to be able to do that.”
Garcia encourages students, especially those with an interest in musical performance, to be diligent in their work and to work hard from the start.
“Dream big,” Garcia said. “Don’t be afraid of trying to do what you want to do. Just go for it.”
