For Alex Moreno-Gonzalez ’24, his sixth-grade band class set his life in a new direction. His head band teacher sparked a new passion for him — percussion instruments, especially melodic ones like the xylophone, marimba and keyboards.
“My middle school teachers helped me fall in love with music, and in high school, I’d spend hours practicing and talking about music with my friends and teachers,” Alex says. “Now, what I want to achieve with my music is to provide an atmosphere of calm or relief for both me and the listeners.”
Alex taught himself music theory and composition in high school, never taking a formal class until he arrived on Rice’s campus as a music composition major. Since then, he has immersed himself in composition classes, written music for President Reginald DesRoches’ inauguration and collaborated with Rice Dance Theater on a performance.
“As a composer, it’s extremely important to develop strong communication skills,” Alex says. “Rice is preparing me to connect and engage with people, from asking them to perform my work to leading rehearsals.”
Alex’s dreams are supported by scholarships funded through The Rice Investment and the Shepherd School, in addition to other merit-based scholarships, all funded by the generosity of Rice donors.
“My scholarships are the only reason I’m able to be here in music school learning to collaborate, communicate and try new things,” he says. “It’s purely because of the generosity of donors. I just love Rice very much, it’s full of energy and opportunity.”
With generous support from the Rice Annual Fund, the university continues to offer Sarah and other Owls the best in financial aid, residential college life, student activities, teaching and research. Learn more about how your gift to the Rice Annual Fund can make an impact.
