A rising musician Elijah Guerrero

He is also a dancer and a friend

By Branden Sandoval

Reporter

Elijah Guerrero has made his presence known at Sanger High with the time and effort he has put into a variety of clubs. His portfolio includes NJROTC, Marching Band, Colorguard, Winter Guard, Winter Percussion and Jazz Band.

But, before Guerrero had all these accolades under his belt, he was just a student looking for an outlet to express himself and bond with others.

“I became interested in marching band after seeing the level of fun and camaraderie of marching band,” said Guerrero.

Learning how to play multiple instruments and hone different techniques requires an enormous amount of dedication and charisma; both of which Guerrero has displayed with flying colors.

“I have dedicated myself to hours of practice and to learning new and difficult instruments to show my willingness to get better and try new things,” said Guerrero.

Out of all the instruments he has come across, the one he has the strongest connection to is the saxophone.

“Out of the various instruments I’ve played in my years of band will have to be alto saxophone, I’ve progressed the most and I feel like I have the most beautiful tone and qualities,” said Guerrero.

Guerrero’s talent has certainly not gone unnoticed. Sanger High School Marching Band Director Alan Moffet has taken note of Guerrero’s sheer dedication to honing his skills and perfecting his craft.

“I feel one of Eli’s strengths with learning the saxophone has been the fact that he takes technique and basics seriously. Too many young musicians don’t work on their sound and technique enough because they just want to play ‘songs’ and they prevent themselves from truly improving their craft. Eli’s drive to work on everything and his determination to do it right is what has contributed to his very quick success,” said Moffett.

Not only does he have a strong love for the arts, but he has also a strong love and respect for his peers.

“I feel my closest connection in the band will have to be my girlfriend Angelina Amaya, Branden Sandoval and a few others I hold dear to my heart,” said Guerrero.

The people he’s made these special connections, like Sanger High Student Angelina Amaya, have had the chance to watch him grow and expand his arsenal in every aspect of the band.

“I feel that Eli has really improved on his instrument. He practices everyday and loves working on high level music,” said Amaya.

Since he will be graduating this year, Guerrero has a firm plan for his future and is ready to face the world. With his perseverance and dignity, Elijah is sure to go above and beyond his dreams.

“My plans after high school is to attend community college to get my general education and pursue my major at Fresno state to become a child psychologist,” said Guerrero.