Andrés Guzman, CMPI’s most recent intern, reflects on his time working with the organization. Andrés Guzman is a very talented trombone, bass trombone, and sackbut musician; he received his undergraduate degree in instrumental music from National University of Columbia. After completing his undergraduate degree, Andrés performed with orchestras such as the Bogotá Philharmonic and the Colombian Symphony, among others, while also teaching trombone at El Bosque University. In 2021, Andrés auditioned and received a full scholarship to three universities in the United States. He ultimately decided to attend Roosevelt University, where he received his master’s degree in orchestra studies, to study under Professor Jay Friedman, the principal trombonist of Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
What were your daily tasks and projects as an intern?
As an intern, Andrés assisted the CMPI staff with essential organizational and administrative tasks. “Many of my tasks involved supporting my colleagues with organizing annual calendars, translating the handbook from English to Spanish, and sending notification emails to students, mentors, and teachers about events. I also gained insight into how CMPI operates and the immense work they do to ensure each student has what they need during their time in the program. Additionally, I participated in meetings where we discussed what other national organizations were planning for the new school year, the challenges ahead, and potential solutions.” Andrés expressed the most challenging aspect of his internship was learning some of the technological tools; however, he was able to grab the concepts quickly.
What did you enjoy most during your time as an intern?
As Andrés reflects on his time as an CMPI intern, he expresses how much he has learned, even during his short time with the organization. “I really enjoyed learning about the administrative side of running an organization and musical projects. As musicians, we often don’t see what happens behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. I learned how hard CMPI works to provide its students with the best teachers, tools, spaces, and experiences so that they can succeed as musicians now and in the future.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Andrés began his musical journey at the young age of nine years old. He expresses how important it is to have a support system while pursuing a career in music. “From a young age, I had the support of my parents. I began studying the trombone at the age of nine at the Tolima Conservatory in my hometown of Ibagué. That’s where I fell in love with the trombone and symphonic music. My teacher encouraged me to always strive for excellence, pursue my studies in Bogotá, and eventually go abroad to learn from the best musicians in the world. After building my career in Colombia, where I performed with the country’s top orchestras, I decided to move to the United States to further my career and pursue positions in the world’s leading orchestras. Currently, I am an artist with the Newberry Consort, The Orchestra of San Antonio, San Antonio Opera, and an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. My goal is to get a position in one of the top orchestras in the United States, and I am working hard to achieve this.”
Fun Fact about Andrés!
Before pursuing a career in music, Andres wanted to become a professional soccer player; however he currently enjoys the sport as a hobby.
Andrés Guzman reflects on his time as a CMPI intern and his enjoyment in learning about the administrative side of music organizations. Andres appreciates the amount of work and dedication involved in running the organization and CMPI’s commitment to the success of each student. As Andrés continues on his path to reaching his goals, we wish him the best in his future endeavors. Continue to strive for excellence!
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Andrés Guzman with his trombone