Patricio Izaguirre, a junior vocal performance major at Texas Wesleyan University, is making waves in the music department with his diverse talents and ambitious goals. As one of the first members of the TXWES’ mariachi band, Oro Azul, and a key player in the new TXWES Drumline, Patricio's musical journey is both inspiring and groundbreaking. 

Patricio is inspired by iconic singers he grew up listening to, like Vicente Fernandez and John Sebastian. However, his true passion lies in classical music, where he's determined to challenge stereotypes. "I want to break the stigma that Mexican or Mexican Americans don't do classical," Patricio explains, encouraging others to explore diverse musical genres regardless of their background. 

Patricio's love for music blossomed after a pivotal performance in an 8th-grade musical. This experience led to his recruitment into the choir, igniting a passion that has only grown stronger over time. “I never felt that way for anything else. I was literally in a science class looking over music, hearing it and imagining the melody in my head.” 

Patricio has watched the mariachi band grow from just three students to nearly 30. "It's just crazy how we started with three and now we are almost up to 30 students. I still remember our very first practice, when we were three strangers and now, we are a big happy family of 30!" he reflects. In addition to playing trumpet and singing in Oro Azul, Patricio is also a drummer in the newly formed TXWES Drumline. This diverse group, featuring 20 members from various departments, made its debut at the Pep Rally and the first football game on Aug. 29. Patricio appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with students outside the music department, enriching his musical experience and broadening his perspective as a performer. "I love being part of the drumline. It never feels like a chore; we practice our drumming while having fun and enjoying a stress-free environment!" 

Patricio enthusiastically praises Texas Wesleyan's intimate learning environment, saying, "It's Smaller. Smarter. It's more flexible. It's more opportunities. It's awesome. That's why I love Texas Wesleyan."  

He particularly values the compact size of the mariachi band and drumline, which allows him to take on diverse roles within these ensembles. This versatile experience has bolstered Patricio's confidence in his future career prospects. "I'm confident that if in 10 years I want to start teaching, I could really teach a mariachi band, a drumline, a band, or a wind ensemble, because I was taught and played those roles in my current involvement activities." It's all thanks to the hands-on, multifaceted education and experience that Patricio is receiving at Texas Wesleyan. 

To manage his busy schedule, Patricio emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in life. He shared, "Sometimes, you have to take a step back and ask yourself if you are still having fun doing what you are doing or if it's just another obligation." And for Patricio, he's having a blast learning and living music, all thanks to a couple of iconic singers and an 8th grade performance turning his passion into a career.