Lu Tovar Vargas — a student in the Doctor of Arts in French Horn Performance — chose UNC with a vision: to build a career as a distinguished musician. “I remember playing these amazing symphonies with the Symphony Orchestra and songs with my Symphony Rock Orchestra and realising that it was what I wanted to do my whole life, so I’ve been pursuing this journey ever since,” they say.
Vargas has joined multiple ensembles, refining their skills and exploring new repertoires. One performance they’ll never forget is The Battle for the Ballot for Wind Ensemble and Narrator, a piece about the women’s suffrage movement. “The composer herself was present, and I think it’s safe to say that we did a very powerful thing that night,” Vargas says.
At UNC, Vargas found a Latinx community where they feel accepted and inspired. “I’m glad there is a big musical scene and Latin community here. The community is crucial for me, and I’m very grateful that I’ve found amazing people who, even if the homesickness is still there, make me feel like I’m not a stranger here and that we can be together in our otherness.”
In such a diverse and inclusive learning environment, they were able to thrive, become a part of something bigger, and play pieces they identified with.
In the future, Vargas “just wants to do music, connect with people, and live in peace”. With help from horn professor Lauren Varley, they’re several steps closer to their goal of playing in an orchestra.
