By Mar Ayala, Editor in Chief
March, 2022
With this year’s return in-person learning, many students are now getting to meet teachers face-to-face for the first time and learn more about them. Cara Juan is a staff member and now teacher of the new Voice Class, as well as the lead singer of the local band Ladyfang. We decided to get to know more about her time outside and inside of KIPP.
How long have you been teaching?
Cara Juan: AT KAC? This is my third year. In total, I think I am somewhere around year 5.
What was your college experience/life like?
CJ: College was really a mixed experience for me. I am from the Rio Grande Valley (5 hours south of here) and went to school in Wisconsin. I had never been there, not even to visit. When I got there I had MAJOR culture shock and I struggled to fit in. After that first year though, I found my rhythm and it got better. I studied music and theater and loved it. My college experience involved a lot of rehearsals and acting classes- which was awesome.
So did you study music throughout high school or college?
CJ: Both!
When did you decide to teach for Collegiate?
CJ: I used to work at IDEA, which is similar to KIPP. I left and came to work here.
How did the voice class come about?
CJ: This is my third year in Algebra 2 and I love it! BUT my background is in performance arts. THE ARTS ARE SO IMPORTANT and they absolutely have shaped my life. I want that for you all. I saw a need so I asked if I could teach one period and everyone said yes.
Did you volunteer to teach the voice class?
CJ: I asked!
How is the voice class doing right now, and what can we expect from the music class in future?
CJ: The class is incredible! We are preparing for solo and ensemble competition right now, so we are pretty busy. Expect to see us in the spring showcase though!
Editors note: Voice class students all achieved superior rankings in Solo & Ensemble.
What interested you in music, specifically singing?
CJ: I used to sing everything when I was a kid- I was super annoying. I’ve always loved performance and expression and making things. I actually wanted to study trumpet in the 6th grade so I joined band. My family couldn’t afford to rent the instrument though, so my mom made me change to choir. In hindsight, it’s one of the best to have happened.
Word has it you are in a band, is this true? If so, what’s it like?
CJ: Oh no! The secret is out! Yes, I am. I moved from New York to Austin with my bandmates. I’ve been playing in bands for about 10 years now. It’s amazing. Collaborating and making stuff with my talented friends- nothing’s better.
Any other music related projects you are involved in?
CJ: Always! I’ve been commissioned to co-write some songs with another local musician, I just finished recording some backup vocals with a friend in Nashville and of course I am involved with Mariachi Para Todos.
What advice would you give young musicians?
CJ: Work hard. Learn your instrument. Learn other instruments. Take a dance class (it builds your rhythm). Learn to paint (Helps you understand texture ). Learn theory and math, read. Soak in every bit of knowledge and experience you can to better your ability to express. Then make your own opportunities. Don’t wait for someone else to give you the green light on your dreams.
What advice would you give to graduating seniors?
CJ: Whatever it is you want to pursue- music or otherwise- start now. Start yesterday. Life flies by. Blink, and a decade is gone. Use your time wisely. Be young and fun, but also get to work!
Where do you see yourself in the future of your teaching career? What about music wise?
CJ: I’ve got a lot of ideas, but we will see. Right now I’m just putting in the work to be the best artist I can be and the best teacher I can be. The more skills you have, the more options you have.
The Cardinal Post 