Graduate wins award with his symphonic band

Bryan Andrés Prada graduated from the Music program two years ago, and is currently the director of the Children's Symphonic Band of the municipality of Zipaquirá and, together with the 38 boys and girls that make up the group, managed to obtain the award for the best performance of the "Pedro Heriberto Moran Vivas" contest on October 17.

The award, which was presented in the municipality of Guatavita where the XII edition of this national band competition was held, was given for the interpretation of the Guabina Chiquinquireña by maestro Alberto Urdaneta, after competing for three rounds against bands from Antioquia, Caldas, Boyacá, Meta and Nariño.

“I started directing the symphonic band when I was still a student in the Music program in 2019. From then on, and by putting into practice the knowledge acquired at the University, I have managed to reflect the excellent preparation I received at my alma mater, which has allowed me to achieve this type of accomplishment,” said graduate Bryan Andrés.

“I also want to highlight that within the band I am accompanied by nine instrumental teachers, five of whom are graduates of Music from UCundinamarca, and who are crucial in these processes,” the director pointed out.

It's worth mentioning that Prada is also the director of the Zipaquirá Senior Symphonic Band, something he considers his true calling. "I always knew this is what I wanted to dedicate myself to," he explained.

This is just one of the many accolades Prada has received in his musical career, which has also taken him to countries like Brazil as a guest conductor, and to Peru and the United States as a musician. He continues to hone his craft, currently pursuing a master's degree in Symphonic Conducting at the National University.

“Wherever I go, or whatever I do in terms of artistic merit, I will always give credit to UCundinamarca, proudly representing its colors, because it is truly an institution I greatly appreciate for its human and educational qualities. It is a university that produces high-quality musicians, capable of taking on challenges in the region and the country. It is wonderful that the university is interested in sharing these things,” Prada concluded.

For now, the band, the graduate, and his entire team are preparing for their first international trip to Peru, and also for their performance at the Cundinamarca Departmental Festival of Musical Bands, which will take place in the municipality of Villeta next November.

More news from the Zipaquirá Extension at the News Agency