Congratulations to New Rochelle High School junior Cecilia Delgadillo, who has been accepted into the elite Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program, where she will study music every Saturday during her senior year.
“I’m so grateful for the support of multiple teachers in the New Rochelle district and community,” she said. And indeed, New Rochelle teachers were among the many whose invaluable guidance helped forge her path.
Delgadillo started her musical journey at Jefferson Elementary School when teacher Gary Schwartz taught her to play the recorder in third grade. She then participated in the Songcatchers summer-music program, where she learned about several instruments – including the clarinet.
When Delgadillo returned to Jefferson for fourth grade, she continued clarinet lessons with Dr. Eva Egolf, the band teacher. She continued lessons in Songcatchers’ afterschool music program and played in the band at Isaac E. Young Middle School under band teacher John Thompson. She was named an All County musician during fifth and sixth grade. Later, at New Rochelle High School, Delgadillo was accepted to PAVE, the performing and visual arts program. This year, she scored a perfect 100 at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival with the support and supervision of high school Band Director Mark Cooper and her longtime clarinet mentor, Enid Press.
Three weeks ago, Delgadillo auditioned for the pre-college program at Juilliard and was stunned when she was asked to interview. Last Thursday, she was accepted into the program, which is for intermediate and advanced music students from the tristate area who demonstrate a commitment to artistic excellence.
In addition to being a clarinetist, Delgadillo is working toward her private pilot’s license. Her goal is to be an airline pilot and professional musician who plays in the pit at Broadway shows.