Don't Be Boxed In

I've been reflecting on the many roles I've taken on in my life – conductor, musician, business owner, arts leader, and more. It's striking to me how, all too often, people categorize others (and themselves!) into neatly defined boxes. "You're a musician," "You're a conductor," or "You're a X." Or even adding the word "just." But life is far too rich, nuanced, and complex to be limited by labels.

It's really only been recently that I've come to embrace the many facets of my identity, and it has opened up new opportunities for me and made my life better (I don't like boxes nor being told what to do...). We shouldn't allow ourselves to be defined by the expectations of others or our own (self-imposed) limitations.

I can't remember a time when I haven't been passionate about connecting with people through music. This passion has led me to explore new paths in the arts and now in business. My experience has taught me that the different roles we assume don't have to be mutually exclusive – in fact, they can complement and enhance each other in surprising ways.

We should allow ourselves the freedom to explore, learn, and grow in all aspects of life. By embracing the multifaceted nature of our lives, we can create a more fulfilling life experience that allows us to make a meaningful impact in the world around us – whatever that might look like.

We are more than a label or a role. We are unique individuals with diverse talents, experiences, and passions. Embrace the uniqueness that is you!

Mesquite Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 35 Years

On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra celebrated 35 years of symphonic music!

Starting from humble beginnings, the MSO has grown into a 70+ member orchestra presenting works across the standard repertoire, music from film & television, and works from the 20th & 21st centuries.

We tackled an exciting and energetic program featuring Quinn Mason’s A Joyous Trilogy, John Williams’ Escapades for alto sax and orchestra with Dr. Sarah Roberts (who absolutely KILLED it), and Brahms’ Symphony N°1.

We’ve spent hours honing our style on the Brahms and to say that I’m proud is an understatement. This orchestra continues to elevate their execution and musicianship with every performance. In the midst of a pandemic no less!

35 looks good on the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra! Onward!

ETYO String ensemble perform at Women's Symphony League of Tyler Ball

“However, this event is also an opportunity for us to recognize the members of the Junior Symphony League who have honored their two-year commitment of volunteering their time serving as ushers, fundraisers and more,” WSL President Jill Campbell said. “Our JSL has had a fun year volunteering at the ETSO performances and also helping raise funds for the East Texas Youth Orchestra.” Guests will be greeted by the sounds of East Texas Youth Orchestra under direction of Felix Torres.

The ETYO Orchestras perform on Sunday, February 23, 2020

Two of East Texas Youth Orchestra’s ensembles will perform 4 p.m. Sunday in Caldwell Auditorium, 300 S. College Ave. in Tyler.

Lacey Wright & Felix Torres launch the Wright Torres Foundation

Felix and his wife, Lacey, are pleased to announce the launch of the Wright Torres Foundation. The mission of the Wright Torres Foundation is to support participants in, and those affected by, the areas of animal wellness, mental health, and music. It accomplishes this mission through scholarships, donations, and other supportive endeavors.

ETYO sets Spring 2020 dates

“The East Texas Youth Orchestra will hold auditions this week for its ensembles and has set performances for 2020, Felix Torres, artistic and executive director, said.”

Felix Torres promoted to Artistic and Executive Director of East Texas Youth Orchestra

The East Texas Youth Orchestra Board of Directors has named Felix Artistic and Executive Director of East Texas Youth Orchestra following the departure of Jill Hardin.

Mesquite Symphony Orchestra announces new Composer-in-Residence Program

The Mesquite Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce its first Composer-in-Residence, Kevin Day. Selected by Music Director Felix Torres, Day will begin his residency with the start of the 19/20 season for a two-year term continuing through July 31, 2021.

As part of Day’s residency, the MSO will present the world premiere performance of “Danza del Sol” as part of the MSO season opener on September 14, 2019. The MSO will perform additional works during this time by Day including two further world premieres.

Music Director Felix Torres said, “We are delighted to establish the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever Composer-in-Residence program. Injecting new music into the repertoire is important for the longevity of our craft and to continue providing new, relevant programming to our audiences. Kevin’s music is full of energy and highly accessible, and I am thrilled to share his music with our audience.”

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Kevin Alexander Day (b. 1996 in Charleston, WV) is an American composer, conductor, and multi-instrumentalist from Arlington, Texas. Day graduated in May 2019 from Texas Christian University with his Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance Degree, where he studied Euphonium and Tuba with Richard Murrow, Jazz Piano with Joey Carter, Composition with Neil Anderson-Himmelspach, Blaise Ferrandino, and Till Meyn, and Conducting with Germán Guitiérrez and Eddie Airheart. 

He will be pursing his Master of Music in Music Composition Degree at the University of Georgia in Fall 2019, where he will study with composer Peter Van Zandt Lane and conductor Cynthia Johnston Turner. Kevin has composed over 120 works for solos, concert band, orchestra, chamber, and choral groups. His works have been premiered across the United States and in South Africa. 

Kevin Day is a winner of national composition contests such as the 2nd Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Young Composers Competition, the Tribeca New Music Young Composer Competition, and the Dallas Winds Fanfare Contest. Day is a finalist twice for the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award, and a finalist of the Novus New Music Call for Scores Contest. He is also a Composer Fellow for Cycle 8 of the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music for 2019. His music has been premiered and showcased at the SCI Region VI Conference, W.I.B.C, the NAfME All-Northwest Conference, TMEA, The Midwest Clinic, the American Bandmasters Association Conference, CBDNA, and on KERA TV. 

He is the recipient of the 2016 W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award from Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He has also worked with and has been mentored by renowned composers Gabriela Lena Frank, Julie Giroux, John Mackey, William Owens, and Frank Ticheli. Kevin is a member of BMI, TMEA, ITEA, the Gamma Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, and the Delta Mu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He is also a member of the Millennium Composers Initiative. 

Day's works have been recorded/distributed by Mark Records (Naxos) and are published by Murphy Music Press, LLC, Cimarron Music, and Kevin Day Music.

Into the Wild with Mesquite Symphony Orchestra

“Adding to the animal theme, the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra partnered up with several rescues in the Metroplex allowing these organizations to show off dogs and cats in need of homes with hopes of finding them a forever home. Audience members were able to meet adoptable dogs and cats at intermission and after the performance.”

Mesquite Symphony Orchestra Closes the Generation Gap through Music

MESQUITE, Texas, Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesquite Symphony Orchestra will pool the talents of its musicians with more than 120 children from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and the Grapevine High School choir to bring the nostalgia of Christmas morning to audiences with concerts set for Dec. 15 at the Mesquite Arts Center. The program will feature traditional sing-a-longs, classics and more recent selections made popular as part of movie scores. Tickets are reasonably priced at $6 for children and $12 for adults. Read more…

Felix Torres named Music Director of the East Texas Youth Orchestra

The East Texas Youth Orchestra announced the selection of Felix Torres as its next Music Director and conductor of the symphony orchestra. ETYO serves over 100 students across three different performing ensembles including their Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Jazz Academy. Visit etyo.org for more information regarding the East Texas Youth Orchestra.

Mesquite Symphony Orchestra Announces Its New Conductor

“The Mesquite Symphony Orchestra has named Felix Torres its new music director and conductor.” Read more…