unable to participate because of ….
unable to participate because of a conflicting 4-H trip.
Felixe has also found himself on the other side of a musical performance, accompanying vocalists rather than taking center stage. He has accompanied Harper Anderson for a vocal solo and said accompanying another musician requires a di_erent set of skills.
“When you’re just performing, you can do it in your own style,” Felixe said. “When you’re accompanying someone, you have to stay with their style and keep with them, but the focus is not you. It’s on the performer.”
Among his other proud accomplishments is advancing to the state music festival with all of his solos and ensembles in one year.
While music has played a large role in his life, Felixe said he currently sees it remaining an important hobby rather than becoming his full-time career.
Receiving the state 4-H award marked the goal Felixe had set for his self-determined project, and although he does not currently plan to continue the same project next year, he has no desire to leave music behind.
“That doesn’t stop me from continuing to perform,” he said.
The state award was not Felixe’s only success through 4-H. He also earned first place in a video competition. Unlike the state award, which was selected through an application process, the video category involved competing against other 4-H members.
Both accomplishments provided Felixe a path to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.
Felixe said he is especially looking forward to seeing a new part of the country and connecting with other young people.
“I’m looking forward to exploring Atlanta,” he said, “as well as being able to meet other people from across the country.”
The trip is scheduled around Thanksgiving, with Felix traveling to Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day and National 4-H Congress running through Dec. 1.
Behind Felixe’s accomplishments are family members and teachers who have encouraged him along the way. He credits his mother as his biggest supporter, along with his grandmother, aunt, band teacher and longtime piano teacher.
After a decade in 4-H and 12 years of making music, Felixe has built an impressive list of accomplishments. But whether he is composing a song on a computer, playing piano at church, accompanying another student or performing violin from a theater pit, music remains a constant passion in his life.
