James Perez, an eighth-grade student at Houston Middle School, has continued his family's tradition of musical talent. His mother plays the ukulele, his father the drums, and his brothers the viola and cello. At age 10, Perez discovered his passion for music after hearing Italian composer Nino Rota’s score for The Godfather.
“The music just spoke to me,” Perez recalled. “It was like a spark lit up inside me.”
Now entering his third year in the school’s orchestra under the guidance of director Alicia Liddell, Perez plays the viola and has earned a spot in the prestigious Varsity orchestra since the seventh grade. Liddell praises Perez as a dedicated student with a strong work ethic.
Last year, the Houston Middle School orchestra celebrated a major victory, winning sweepstakes at the UIL competition, an achievement Perez considers one of his proudest moments. He credits his older brother Joseph, currently in high school at Singley Academy, as a major influence on his decision to join the orchestra, along with violinist Ray Chen, whom Perez admires.
Looking ahead, Perez hopes to pursue a professional career as a violist and inspire others to take up music. “Orchestra has done so much for me,” he says. “It’s helped me become a better student and more confident performing. Music can open doors if you work hard at it.”
