It was in sixth grade that Jorge Cruz-Hernandez followed in the footsteps of his older sister, picking up the clarinet. He would switch to saxophone later in middle school and ultimately learned to play the bassoon once he reached Schaumburg High School.
Schaumburg High School bassoonist Jorge Cruz-Hernandez
“Ever since sixth grade I’ve wanted to play for as long as I could,” says Jorge, who is a resident of Hoffman Estates, “and I’m glad I did, because it got me here today and it’s really special.”
That ‘here’ that Jorge refers to is one of the NPR studios, where he was interviewed for a podcast episode of From the Top, which showcases young, classical musicians. He is featured along with his private teacher, Andrew Marlin, and all before playing a section of Vivaldi’s Bassoon Concerto in C Major, together. Their episode aired this week.
“What I love about From the Top, is that we invest in and develop new generations of musicians,” says host Peter Dugan.
Jorge is the perfect example of these up and coming artists.
“Jorge has a huge heart which pours through his work ethic,” says Marlin, who teaches students throughout the Chicago area. “He has a great day, every day and it makes me one of the proudest teachers on the planet.”
Young Jorge auditioned for the show last fall. Not only was he selected to be showcased, but he was named a Jack Cooke Kent Young Artist, which was announced at the end of the broadcast. The award allows Jorge to participate in a fellowship program and includes $10,000 scholarship that can be used for music lessons, summer camps or even a brand new instrument.
Jorge and his teacher, Andrew Marlin, are interviewed by Peter Dugan.
“Thank you, oh, my gosh,” Jorge said at hearing the announcement. “Thank you, it means a lot.”
Even before the NPR broadcast, playing the bassoon opened the door for Jorge to participate in prestigious double reed workshops, master classes taught by bassoonists from across the country and make lasting friendships in Schaumburg’s music ensembles.
Schaumburg Band Director Vincent Endino was not surprised to learn of Jorge’s selection, describing him as a “great student and very hardworking musician.”
“He currently plays bassoon in our Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra,” Endino says, “as well as sousaphone in our marching band.”
Student and teacher perform Vivaldi’s Bassoon Concerto
This is the 25th year of From the Top podcast episodes and its mission to highlight young, classical musicians, continues to defy the odds.
“For over 20 years, From the Top has built an impressive platform to celebrate the music, lives and stories of youngsters playing classical music,” says Tom Huizenga, an NPR music producer. “That’s right. Young people in this country love classical music.”
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