© 2016 Kristina Avila
"LA ISLA" has been copyrighted by the U.S. Library of Congress as of APRIL 2018.
“Kristina’s use of harmonics and percussive technique adds highlights of colour to a strong sense of story-telling in her music; the combination of which results is a captivating listening experience.”
La Isla
"La Isla" is Spanish for "The Island". Inspired by South Padre Island, the city and southern-most island along the Gulf Coast of South Texas, “La Isla” contains Latin rhythms, claves, and percussion to emulate the sounds of the Latino community and flavor that surrounds the beautiful island paradise that is South Padre Island. Being so close to its sister border-city of Brownsville has given the island its tropical and Mexican-American environment, which is an original and unique blend of culture and idyll that is most unparalleled.
Written for Guitar Ensemble/Quartet (4-5 Guitars - optional contrabass guitar), this piece is suitable for players of all skill levels, beginner to advanced. The score has since been performed by guitar class students and university and public school ensembles throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Listen:
Audio by: Dr. Jason Mitchell
(L-R) Juan Pablo Gracia, Ramiro Rubio, and David Solis.
Recorded by David Solis, Juan Pablo Gracia, Ramiro Rubio, and Kristina Avila.
David Solis, Juan Pablo Gracia, and Ramiro Rubio are current students and recent graduates of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Brownsville Guitar Program under the direction of Dr. Michael Quantz and Dr. Jonathan Dotson. They continue to perform, teach, and excel in their musical endeavors and guitar education advocacy. Dr. Jason Mitchell currently serves as faculty member of the UTRGV Brownsville School of Music.
Premiere
April 21st, 2018 - Performed by the Laredo Community College guitar students. "Día de la Guitarra" Ensemble Showcase at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley - Edinburg Campus. UTRGV Performing Arts Complex - Edinburg, Texas
Laredo Community College Guitar Director: Dr. Matthew Bishop
Performed by: Andres Cisneros, Rodrigo Esparza, Saul Perez, Ronaldo Ramirez, and Cristobal Veloz
Click here for more about "La Isla" at "Día de la Guitarra"