Wichita State University is home to many around the world. For David Pérez, originally from Cuba, it was the ideal place to learn his passion for music.
Pérez, a graduate student in organ interpretation in his last semester, said his decision on a master’s program in the United States was difficult, but he knew that Wichita State University was the perfect option for what he was looking for.
“I decided to come to WSU because I was in awe of the teachers we have here. We talked about the program and everything I can do here to hone my organ skills, says Pérez.
“I knew I was going to get the best personal attention here, which is what I was looking for and I have made great progress in my skills,” Pérez said.
The Cuban musician began to play the organ at the age of 16, when he was studying at a conservatory in Cuba.
“What really made me come here was because I wanted a master’s degree and the organ in Cuba is a forgotten tradition. We do not have postgraduate studies in Cuban universities, so I decided to perfect myself and hone my skills with the organs,” said David Pérez.
He has spent the past two years in Wichita, away from home for the first time in his life. Pérez said he misses his family and friends at home.
“I really miss my family, that’s what I miss the most,” the musician says somewhat melancholy. “I have many friends in Cuba that I used to go out with all the time and I remember that on Sundays we had Cuban coffee and caught up. I want to return to Cuba in the future and teach, restore instruments and promote competitions”.
As a musician, for Pérez, COVID-19 impacted him in many different ways. Not being able to collaborate and act with others was difficult for him.
“I consider myself an interpreter and it is difficult when you have so many limitations to act due to social distancing and the lack of concerts,” said Pérez. “I am grateful for the technology so that we can broadcast live, but it is not the same experience for me.”
Pérez also had a difficult time finding a performance job during COVID-19, because many positions were canceled or were no longer needed.
“It has also been difficult because I was looking for work and it was very difficult during that time. . . It was a closing for everyone; for musicians, it was even more difficult, “as musicians, we always collaborate with other musicians, so establishing relationships in the world of music is really important, at least for me.”
After completing his final semester, the Cuban interpreter would like to continue his career as a musician to earn a living and gain more experience as an organist. He is running for positions in and out of state and hopes to learn more about the tradition of organs in America.
“I am privileged because I am the first generation of Cuban organists, so I want to promote the tradition of the organ in Cuba,” he said.
For David Pérez what he likes most about attending WSU (Wichita State University) has been the people he has met.
“It’s true that when people say that Kansans are really nice people, I feel blessed and happy to be able to relate so well to the people at music school because it’s my own little world here.” “I have been able to make friends with colleagues and collaborate with them in a very easy and healthy way.”