Ever heard of a one-man band? Senior Jonathan Davilla is that person, as he plays several different instruments, including the violin, cello, piano, and guitar.
“I’ve played the violin for about ten years and experimented with several other instruments about four years ago,” Davilla said. “I can play the cello, the piano, and I’m currently learning how to sing and play guitar while also teaching kids how to play.”
Davilla says that he has been dedicated to the music he plays for about 6 or 7 years and became interested in music as a kid.
“In the fourth grade, some musicians came over from the Houston Symphony,” Davilla said. “They played a little country music and I liked it. It sounded pretty cool. Ever since then, I really wanted to play the violin, and later, I branched out to more music. I play with the Houston Symphony, with churches, and with other schools.”
Though Davilla practices to better his playing abilities, in order to improve his musical understanding, he also studies music theory.
“He is growing in his ability to sight read music and teach his technique to beginner string students,” Orchestra teacher John Lemons said. “Jonathan is very talented and always wants to stay in ‘learning mode’.
Davilla has gained more than a musical ability with playing the violin.
“He has found a home with his violin and has used music as a tool to surround himself with people that have a positive influence on his life,” Lemons said. “He is consistent and very helpful in the orchestra program”
Aquatic science teacher Charlese Brown became aware of his musical background during class and thinks he truly has a gift.
“I play classical music in class while the students are in groups,” Brown said. “As I was walking around, I mentioned how much I like classical music and Jonathan said that he was a musician. He identified the piece playing and he offered to bring his violin to play for us in class.
Although most of his music is performed in Bryan/College Station, Davilla is in the American Festival for the Arts (AFA) program that allows him to play with musicians from around the world.
“I’ve made a whole bunch of friends,” Davilla said. “I’ve joined this program where they bring students from all around the world to come play for the Houston Symphony. We’ve gotten people from Japan, Russia, Italy, France, and even Great Britain.”
Although Davilla injured his wrist in a freak glass accident, he still continues to practice the violin.
“It does take a toll. Believe it or not, when you play an instrument, it takes a toll on your hands,” Davilla said. “I did get surgery recently because I was playing so much and my hands are really messed up.”
Davilla plans to continue playing instruments after graduation and has considered going into the military.
“I’m really interested in the military, and I do want to join the Marine Corps,” Davilla said. “Then they told me they had a symphony, so I’m interested in that too.”
After his time in the Marine Corps, he plans to become a music arts teacher while continuing to study music theory and the violin.
