In this episode of Journeys: A MACSA Podcast, we welcome the multi-talented Steena Hernandez—a dancer, vocalist, and author with an inspiring story to share. From touring with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to performing on Broadway in Rent, Steena’s career is filled with incredible moments, but her path wasn’t always easy.

She opens up about her early start in music, her journey to becoming an author, and the reality of handling rejections in the performing arts. We also discuss her debut children's book, Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers, and the importance of diverse representation in literature.

📌 Topics Covered: 🎭 Performing on Broadway and touring with TSO 📖 Writing Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers & storytelling as an artist 💡 Overcoming challenges & rejection in the arts 🎶 The passion that fuels a lifelong creative career

🎧 Watch now and be inspired by Steena’s journey! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring amazing artists and educators.

#MACSAPodcast #SteenaHernandez #BroadwayPerformer #TSO #MusicEducation #Dancer #AuthorLife

In Episode 8, we feature Jacob Cantu, A MACSA voice instructor, an accomplished music educator, and performer with a career spanning over four decades. Currently serving as the Choir Director for the Vigil Choir at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Jacob has also directed choirs and taught music at St. Jose Sanchez Del Rio Catholic School and St. Mary’s University, where he produced and directed operas and musicals. Jacob’s impressive vocal training includes studies under esteemed teachers such as Herald Stark, Spiro Malas, and Sam Sakarian, along with coaching from Met Opera’s Joan Donerman. His performance career has taken him to New York, Connecticut, and across Texas, appearing with groups such as the Texas Bach Choir, San Antonio Opera, and San Antonio’s Three Tenors. Jacob is also known for his work with Opera in the Schools, bringing the magic of opera to young audiences in South Texas. ✨ Tune in to hear Jacob’s journey through music, teaching, and performance.

🙏 Special Thanks: Jacob Cantu extends his gratitude to the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have supported and inspired him throughout his career: Harold Stark Bess Hieronymus Sam Sakarian George Cortes Leroy Yarbrough Spiro Malas David Blackburn Dan Long Evelyn Troxler Jeff Troxler Mark Richter Burt Neely Jean White Ruth Payne John Moore Jan Schmidt Joey Martin Mary Rita Partlow Edith Ortega

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring episodes from MACSA! 🎧 Listen now and share your thoughts in the comments!

🎙️ Journeys: A MACSA Podcast – Episode 7 with Clarisa De la Garza 🎶 In Episode 7, we feature Clarisa De la Garza, a passionate clarinetist, composer, and educator. With degrees in music performance from UTRGV and UTSA, Clarisa has won multiple concerto competitions and performed on prestigious stages. Her diverse expertise spans teaching, composing, music research, and championing underrepresented composers. ✨ Tune in to explore her journey, her love for music, and her creative projects.

🎵 Interested in lessons with Clarisa De la Garza? Click here to get started: https://www.sanantoniomusicschools.co...

📢 Check out Clarisa’s compositions and performances on Youtube @clarisadelagarza6577 🎵 Sonata No. 1 Eventide 🎵 5 Spatial Abstractions 🎵 Impromptu on a D-Flat 7 🎵 Rhapsody No. 1 "Impressions" 🎵 Lost in Reverie – Clarinet Choir 🎵 Rhapsody No. 1 "Impressions" (Solo with Electronics)

🌐 Learn more about Clarisa and her work: cdelagarzamusic.com

🙏 Special Thanks: Clarisa would like to thank the following individuals who have shaped her musical sphere of influence with their encouragement, knowledge, and endless, contagious love for the art of music: Dr. Bill O'Neil – Private Lesson Teacher and Clarinet Professor at UTRGV Dr. Nicholas Councilor – Clarinet Professor at UTSA Dr. Stacey Davis – Music Theory and Theory Pedagogy Professor at UTSA Dr. Ethan Wickman and Professor James Syler – Composition Professors at UTSA Dr. Shoko Kinsella – Piano Lesson Professor at UTRGV Dr. Saul Torres – Conducting Lesson Professor at UTRGV Dr. Justin Writer – Composition Lesson Professor at UTRGV And of course, her parents, Leticia Rodriguez and Eddie De la Garza, for their unending love and support.

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring episodes from MACSA! 🎧 Listen now and share your thoughts in the comments!

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