Student Spotlight: Gaby Pedraza

What’s it like to study at Berklee? Our Student Spotlight series asks current students all about their Berklee experience—what they’re learning in class, what kinds of projects they’re involved in onstage or behind the scenes, how they recharge, and of course, what they’re listening to. This week, get to know Gaby Pedraza, an eighth-semester clarinetist and woodwind performance major from San Antonio, Texas.

Tell us about your path to Berklee. What made you decide to come here?

Pretty soon after I started on clarinet in middle school, I knew that I wanted to play music for a living. However I had always been turned off at the idea of attending a competitive and classically oriented conservatory, which is where my journey most likely would have gone had I not learned about Berklee. When I first started learning piano before I had picked up the clarinet, I would always push myself to learn film music instead of Bach or Mozart. So when I learned that Berklee had such an amazing film scoring program, I was incredibly excited. My mom, who was truly amazing for this, drove me during spring break to Boston from San Antonio for a tour of the college (and a couple more schools at her insistence). The day before the tour a snow storm blew through the northeast, but undeterred, we were able to reschedule it the day after. Seeing the Shames Family Scoring Stage in the basement of 160 Massachusetts Avenue, I was able to imagine myself playing there so clearly and that’s what did it. Thankfully, they held auditions in San Antonio so I didn’t have to worry about falling on a pile of snow before my audition.

I like to look back to my 13-year-old self who bravely stated to her parents that she wanted to be a musician, despite everything against her and any consequences that could follow.

— Gaby Pedraza

What's been your favorite class so far, and what has it taught you?

Although I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the new and exciting courses taught here, going back to my roots as a clarinetist and playing in the Berklee Symphonic Winds Ensemble has reinforced my love for music time and time again. This ensemble is taught by Dominick Ferrara, who has been an incredible mentor to me since I came here to Berklee. During the last two years I’ve been personnel manager of this ensemble, sending out weekly emails and communicating with the group on a regular basis. This ensemble, and its teacher, has allowed me to grow as a musician, develop my ear for large ensemble playing, and become confident as a leader among my peers over the last four years.

What's a project you've worked on since coming to Berklee that you've been especially excited about?

I have been incredibly lucky so far to be included in so many projects for film and game scoring students, on top of even being able to record a couple songs ("Play On" by Angela Morano and "Never Been in Love" by Zoe Sparks). However my final project is my recital here at Berklee, and it is the culmination of my time here as well as the work I’ve put in to grow as a musician. My recital will be August 3, and I’m currently in the process of arranging and rehearsing music with so many incredible players for this performance. Being a musician is about sharing your heart and soul with others, and I’m forever grateful that I get this opportunity to do so with my friends.

How do you typically recharge or find new ideas outside of class?

Being able to spend time with the people I love is essential to my positive mental state. As much as I enjoy reading and taking walks along the Charles, doing so with company creates such cherishable memories. As for finding new ideas, playing Dungeons & Dragons has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone and it’s incredibly exciting to be on my feet and improvising on something other than my instrument.

What careers are you interested in pursuing in the future?

I will be moving out to L.A. in about two months to pursue being a session musician for film and other media. In the last few years I’ve been able to play for countless student projects, as well as participate in the Film Score Studio Orchestra here at Berklee. I’ve also gained a recent love for repair in woodwind and brass instruments.

When you think towards your own future, who inspires you most?

As we grow into adulthood, we often lose the bravery that comes so easily to us as children. I like to look back to my 13-year-old self who bravely stated to her parents that she wanted to be a musician, despite everything against her and any consequences that could follow. That bravery and conviction I had has put me on the path I walk now and inspires me to be brave in myself for my future.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to your high school self?

Stop comparing yourself to others. This is such an easy pitfall for all of us musicians and artists, and yet entirely unnecessary. As long as you love what you do, no one will ever be able to bring you down.

Gaby's Current Favorite Songs

We asked Gaby to share some five songs that she's really into at the moment. Here's what she said:

1. "Carta," Silvana Estrada

Silvana Estrada is only one of many artists within Mexican folk music that I love. I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at a young age, so music is one way of connecting to my heritage. This song is a poetic love and farewell letter that makes your heart yearn.

2. "Wake Up," Arcade Fire

A regular song on my rotation on one of my favorite albums. This is the type of song that gives an explosion of creation and energy and makes you feel unstoppable.

3. "Follow Me Like the Moon," Sammy Rae & The Friends

This song and artist combine my love for horns, fun and catchy lyrics, and danceable grooves. They inspire me to play music, and I hope for the opportunity to play for a group like this one day.

4. "La Comparsa," Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra

This should be an essential listen as a clarinetist. Anat Cohen has an incredible voice through the clarinet, and this album is incredible.

5. "Grumpy Old Man," Remi Wolf

I listen to this probably an unhealthy amount. It’s fun, groovy, and a regular on my music rotation. This will probably get stuck in your head though.