JDCHS freshman chosen for All State Band

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DRAPER — Juan Diego Catholic High School freshman Gabriel Vargas was selected for the Utah All State Band, a singular honor for one just starting his secondary school career.

“The Utah All-State Band only takes the top talent from across the state.  Gabe is one of the few freshmen selected, and the only student from a private school selected,” stated the press release from the school announcing Vargas’ achievement.

“It makes me feel proud, but at the end of the day it’s the student’s accomplishment, not mine,” said William Mattingly, who teaches music and performing arts – band at Juan Diego.

Mattingly offers encouragement and guidance, “but it’s up to [students] to put the work in outside of class,” he said, adding that the selection of Vargas for the All State Band “makes me feel like our band program is headed in the right direction.”

Vargas’ passion for music started when he was about 10 years old. “I’ve always loved music because of my family [influence], but I was given the ability to be in my school’s band, which is where it all started,” he said.

Vargas concentrates on playing two instruments, the bassoon and the tenor saxophone, but he also has played trumpet and alto saxophone.

Music “is a source of comfort and peace for me,” he said. “It helps me through everything I do.”

Being a student at JDCHS has helped his musical journey by giving him options in instruments such as the bassoon, the instrument that he plays with the Utah State Band, he said.

“My band teacher, Mr. Mattingly, has helped me greatly on my journey, helping me get a private teacher, getting in the Utah Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and getting into the Utah Ambassadors of Music,” Vargas said.

The decision to apply for the Utah All-State came from both of his music teachers.

“I felt surprised and shocked when I got accepted to the All-State Band because I didn’t think I was going to be accepted because I was going against people a lot older, with more experience, and this is my second year playing the bassoon,” Vargas said.

“Gabriel is the ideal student,” Mattingly said, because Vargas is talented, works hard, and “has a great attitude, is both humble and coachable. Gabe has musical talent, but it’s his work ethic that got him into the All-State Band. I would take 100 hard-working students over one ‘talented’ one,” he added, quoting Tim Notke: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

For JDCHS, hard-working students like Vargas “makes us who we are,” Mattingly said. “High-achieving students who put their best into what they do. It’s why I love teaching at Juan Diego Catholic High School.”

Vargas’ first performance with the Utah State Band was on Jan. 18 at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City.

“I have played in Abravanel Hall before, which was a magical experience,” he said. “I felt joy and awe as we filled the hall with music, and it was a life-changing moment in music for me.”

His goal is to continue with music. “I am going to audition for All-State every year and I’m going to play and perform everywhere I can,” he said, suggesting that others do the same.

“The message I have for all my fellow students is to never give up and never turn down an offer if you are offered a chance to play with a band or go help another team etc.,” he said, because “you never know what it will do. My journey with the bassoon started by one of my conductors asking if I wanted to play it, and I did. If you are given the chance, take it and run with it.”

An honor student, Vargas is also a member of the Soaring Eagle wrestling team. In addition, he plays competitive soccer and performs with the Utah Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.