Aaron Pe'rez
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
An undergraduate student at Alabama State University, Aaron Pe'rez, recently brought home top honors in The Guild of the Birmingham Music Club (The Guild). Pe’rez was named the First-Place Winner in the piano category and won the overall Grand Prize in The Guild’s 84th statewide competition held on March 8 on the campus of Samford University. In winning the grand prize, Pe'rez defeated all other first-place winners in several different instrumental categories.
The music competition is presented annually for statewide undergraduate students who plan to continue their music studies at a four-year institution of higher education in Alabama.
ASU's Dr. Adonis Gonzalez, professor of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, shared that Pe'rez, a native of Havana, Cuba, was awarded $2,500 for his first-place win and an additional $1,000 for being the grand-prize winner. Pe’rez is a sophomore, majoring in Music and is also a member of the University Choir. He also is an honor student who has maintained a 3.9 GPA.
"It feels extremely gratifying to have won both top awards this year after having won second place during my freshman year in the same competition," Pe'rez said. "I am so thankful that the judges appreciated my talent at playing the piano. I give all of the glory of winning to God and also thank my piano professor, Dr. Gonzalez, and Dr. Carly Johnson, chair of our Department of Music, for the professional and personal support they both give me."
Pe'rez thanked his family in Havana, who have worked and sacrificed so that he could come to the United States to study music.
"The patriarch of our family is my grandfather, Herminio Pupo Gonzalez, who oversees all we do, and along with my parents, Jesus and Dexy Pe'rez, they all are my inspiration to excel in everything that I do. I dedicate my winning to all three of them, and I love them very much," Pe'rez said.
PIANO PROFESSOR PRAISES PE’REZ
Dr. Gonzalez explained that in addition to his monetary prizes, Pe'rez has been invited to perform at the Guild of the Birmingham Music Club’s Spring Luncheon in April.
The professor explained that Pe’rez made history twice with his two wins. He is the first ASU piano student to win first prize in the piano category, and he also is the first University undergraduate to win the grand prize in the statewide event.
"I am incredibly proud of Aaron and all that he has accomplished. I knew from the moment I recruited him from Cuba that he had extraordinary potential, but seeing how he has grown and developed as a musician has been truly inspiring," Gonzalez said. "His recent success — winning both the first prize in the piano category and the grand prize against all other instrumentalists — is a remarkable achievement that reflects not only his immense talent but also his unwavering dedication and hard work."
HONORS BRING RECOGNITION TO ASU MUSIC PROGRAM
The chairwoman of ASU's Department of Music, Dr. Carly Johnson, said Pe'rez's success in The Guild's competition is a significant achievement for Alabama State University and its music department.
"Aaron's win highlights the caliber of student talent within the department and brings recognition to the University on a statewide level," said Chairwoman Johnson. "Such accomplishments not only elevate the profile of the music program but also attract prospective students and foster a sense of pride and accomplishment within the University community. Additionally, the exposure of winning these prestigious awards can open doors for further opportunities for collaboration, funding, and partnerships."
PE'REZ'S FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Pe'rez's piano professor says it has been a privilege to guide him on his musical journey which is only in its second year at ASU.
"I am filled with pride knowing how much Aaron has accomplished. His artistry and commitment have set him apart, and I have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great things in the future," Gonzalez said. "I am excited to see where his music will take him next."
Pe'rez will be presenting a full-length recital of solo piano works on April 26, at 7 p.m. at Montgomery's Trinity Presbyterian Church. The event is free and open to the public.