Local Music Students Strike Gold: Awarded Medals at MVMTA Festival

Edinburg, TX, November 11, 2023 – A wave of melody swept through UTRGV as local music virtuosos clinched top honors and garnered a string of medals at the esteemed Magic Valley Music Teachers Association Festival.

Distinguished for their outstanding musical prowess and dedication, twenty-six students from Starr Music Academy emerged triumphant in various categories, showcasing their exceptional talent on a grand scale. Their commitment and artistry shone brightly, earning them a collection of Gold and Bronze medals and accolades.

The festival, renowned for celebrating musical excellence, attracted many regional gifted performers. The Starr Music Academy students captivated adjudicators with their renditions, demonstrating technical skill and a profound understanding and emotive connection to the music they presented.

"I am so very proud of these students for the work they put into preparing their memorized festival pieces and for all the new skills they learned along the way," stated their teacher, Corine Maldonado.

These young musicians dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft, honing their skills under the mentorship of Mrs Maldonado. Their commitment to musical excellence and unwavering passion for their artistry have been richly rewarded at this prestigious event.

The MVMTA Festival is a testament to the vibrant musical talent flourishing within our community, nurturing the next generation of maestros and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts.

About Starr Music Academy:
Starr Music Academy has long been a hub for nurturing artistic talent, offering a comprehensive music education program that empowers students to excel in various disciplines. With a commitment to fostering creativity and honing technical expertise, the studio continues producing exceptional musicians who thrive locally and on a global stage.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Corine Garcia Maldonado, NCTM
Director
Starr Music Academy
956-847-8477
[email protected]
starrmusicacademy.com

-###-

Starr Music Academy Students Showcase Talent at Remarkable Recital
McAllen, TX, October 15, 2023 – The air was alive with melodies as the Magic Valley Music Teachers Association hosted a mesmerizing recital featuring the remarkable talents of budding female musicians. Showcasing a diverse range of musical styles and instruments, the event was a testament to the dedication and skill of the young performers.
From classical piano renditions that captivated hearts to soulful strings that resonated with the audience, each participant brought their unique flair to the stage. The event wasn’t merely a display of skill but a celebration of perseverance and passion.
"I'm incredibly proud of each student who took the stage," said teacher Corine Maldonado, beaming with pride. "Their hard work and commitment were evident in every note. It’s truly inspiring to witness their growth and artistry."
Among the standout performers,  Starr Music Academy was represented by violinist Elliana Hernandez and pianists Arora Cantu, Italia Barrera, Katherine Hernandez, and Leila Martinez.
"These young musicians have put in countless hours of practice, which truly paid off this afternoon," remarked Mrs. Maldonado. "Their commitment to their craft is commendable and deserves recognition."
The event served as a platform for musical expression and highlighted the importance of arts education in shaping well-rounded individuals. It underscored the significance of fostering creativity and dedication among the younger generation.
As the final notes echoed in the hall, the applause was a resounding tribute to these young performers' talent and hard work. The recital was not just an event; it was a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite.
For more information about future events or to support these talented students, please get in touch with Corine Maldonado at [email protected].

Twenty Starr Music Academy students participated in a musical production of Mayron Cole's Magic Meadow on August 11 at the Fort Ringgold Auditorium. The students spent their eight-week summer session learning to sing, dance, put on a show, and create sets and costumes. Starr Music Academy is under the direction of Corine Maldonado, NCTM.

Nine Starr Music Academy students participated in the 2023 Texas Music Teachers Association Conference in Waco. Each year, the conference allows music teachers and students from across the state to meet for workshops, performances, contests, and exhibits. Congratulations to the following students and their families for their commitment to music education:

Arizabella Alanis - All-Star Festival
Arora Cantu - Ensemble, All-Star Festival, Conference Project, Student Page
Laurel Cantu - Ensemble, All-Star Festival, Conference Project, Student Page
Thiago Castillo - All-Star Festival, Conference Project, Digital Keyboard Orchestra
​Raul Gonzalez Jr. - Ensemble
Lyzzette Hinojosa - Ensemble, All-Star Festival, Conference Project, Student Page
Mariely Lopez - Ensemble, All-Star Festival
Paris Millan - Ensemble, All-Star Festival, Conference Project
Jaden Reyes Ramirez - All-Star Festival, Conference Project, Student Page, Digital Keyboard Orchestra

Five students of Starr Music Academy enjoyed an exciting week of summer music camp this past June with the theme Musical Stories & Suites. Through games, art projects, writing, and listening activities, the students explored some of the greatest pieces of western classical music literature, including Billy the Kid, The Nutcracker, and The Carnival of the Animals. The camp concluded with a presentation of the projects created by the students.

RIO GRANDE CITY - Starr Music Academy presented its annual spring recital at The Party Place on May 11. Almost fifty students aged four to teens sang and played piano, violin, viola, guitar, and ukulele in ensembles celebrating the music of Texas. 

Five Starr Music Academy students participated in the Magic Valley Music Teachers Association Spring Recital on April 23, 2023 at Valley Keyboards in McAllen.

Performing from memory were Lauren Barrera, Jhaziel Gonzalez, and Dailyn Zambrano on violin and Erasmo Noe Barrera and Jesus Angel Gonzalez on guitar. These students are under the direction of Corine Maldonado, NCTM.

Five Starr Music Academy students participated in the Magic Valley Music Teachers Association Duet Jubilee on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Valley Keyboards in McAllen.

The theme of this year's event was Disney. Sisters Katherine and Sophia Hernandez played Winnie the Pooh as a piano duet. Pianist Brayden Solis played The Lion Sleeps Tonight from The Lion King with his teacher. Elliana Hernandez and Mikaela Molina. performed a violin duet rendition of Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast. These students are under the direction of Corine Maldonado, NCTM.

Twelve Starr Music Academy students received medals for their performance on the 2023 Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) World of Music test.

According to the TMTA website, the purpose of the World of Music program is to introduce students to music history through the study of composers lives, music, and composition styles. TMTA produces 12 levels of World of Music books  Each book contains all of the content needed to be successful on the corresponding test. Registered students are tested in the spring semester, and those who receive a 90% or higher receive a gold medal.

Receiving a gold medal were Arizabella Alanis, Italia Barrera, Lauren Barrera, Erasmo Noe Barrera, Thiago Castillo, Arora Cantu, Lyzzette Hinojosa, Mariely. Lopez, Adalyn Perez, Chaniel Santiago, Brayden Solis, and Jimena Trevino. They study under the direction of Corine Maldonado, NCTM.

Six Starr Music Academy students were selected to be members of the Magic Valley Music Teachers Association (MVMTA) Ensemble Teams for 2023.

To be accepted into one. of the teams, students were required to pass the Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) Theory Test and perform in an audition. Selected students attended sectionals and daily rehearsals culminating in a costumed performance representing MVMTA at the TMTA Conference in Waco in June.

The Starr Music Academy students who were selected to represent MVMTA as members of the Ensemble teams are Arora Cantu, Laurel Cantu, Raul Gonzalez Jr., Lyzzette Hinojosa, Mariely Lopez, and Paris Millan. They study under the direction of Corine Maldonado, NCTM.