Miguel Gutierrez: 0:09

Welcome to another episode of Charros y Clásicos, a Bosky Strings podcast. I'm your host, Miguel Gutiérrez, and I'm here with my good friend and co-host, Joel Ozuna.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 0:17

Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining us for another episode of Charros y Clásicos. Our next guest is a proud graduate from Roma High School who went to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in music performance from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. Today, he's shaping the next generation of musicians as the head mariachi director at Edinburgh High School. Please welcome Clyde Guerra.

Clyde Guerra: 0:39

Hi, guys. Thank you so much for the invitation. How you been? I've been good. I've been good. This is our spring break. And so this is my first day off and I'm enjoying it. Your first day off, but you're working, huh? You caught me. So it's my first day off. But yeah, we are rehearsing this week. We have competitions coming up. So the price of building a successful program. There you go.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 1:00

And so what competition are you... So

Clyde Guerra: 1:04

right now we're preparing for the Tame State Contest that's happening April 12th for the 6A schools.

Miguel Gutierrez: 1:09

Where is it taking place?

Clyde Guerra: 1:11

This year it's in Somerset High School.

Miguel Gutierrez: 1:13

So finally we have Clyde come in, right? Clyde Guerra, he's a famous face in this world and this field. Kids love you and people follow you. You had a very long following ever since I've known you. Which goes back, right? We're not going to say how many years, but it goes quite back. So tell us about you. Tell us about where you're from, how all this started for you.

Clyde Guerra: 1:38

Oh, my goodness. Well, my life has been a roller coaster, I think, and nothing has been planned. But I started off... really in music in like fourth grade so I must have been around like nine or ten years old and my elementary offered this class called Las Guitarritas and I joined it and they just taught us how to play guitar folk songs how to sing like simple folk songs and I really enjoyed just playing guitar like whatever it was that they were teaching us like I enjoyed playing guitar I enjoyed singing the little songs that they taught us I don't even remember what they were but they were just like Spanish folk songs and That same year, I remember they took us to a, I want to say it was maybe a Mercedes livestock show or something. There was a vocal competition over there for younger students. And I went and I enrolled and I sang a country song and I won first place. And that was my first introduction to everything. And that same day, my parents, there was vendors around the area, so they bought me my first guitar. And so then I had the ability to go home and kind of learn... music by ear, really, because I've always been somebody that learns by rote. And so I would just learn songs that I would hear on the radio, different genres, whatever my parents listened to. My grandparents were also like really big into like mariachi music. So I tried to learn whatever I could on guitar with the chords I learned at school. And I really became passionate about like singing. And I didn't know if I was good at it or not. I mean, your family always tells you, like, oh, you sing so good. And I was like, oh. Even back then, I was skeptical. It's so good. So I didn't know if I was any good, but I really liked it. And so... The story with me kind of going into mariachi is that my mom, my parents are divorced. And so my mom always was working like a lot of jobs, like maybe two or three jobs at a time. And so I like to say that I was kind of raised by my grandparents and my grandmother specifically. And she always had like Linda Ronstadt, Juan Gabriel, Pedro Fernandez, like playing all over the house. And so I kind of just like grew up listening to that. And my grandpa always said like, I always wanted a mariachi in the family. And I was like, oh, dang. Well, I guess I better get started. So I remember taking like my first voice lesson in fifth grade. That's when I started taking lessons with Yamil Yunus. And I told him, I was like, I'm going to have an audition in sixth grade and I need to prepare for it now. So I started taking voice lessons. And once I got into sixth grade, they do audition all the students in Roma like in fifth grade. And so I did my audition. I got in. I really wanted to play guitar because that's what I had been learning. And I remember Mr. Emil Yunus told me, no, you're going to play violin. And I was like, why? And he said, because if you want to be a singer or if you want to have a chance to sing, you have a better chance if you play violin. And so... I was like, okay, I guess I'm going to play violin. And I remember just like hating it at the beginning. Like, I don't like this instrument. I want to go back to guitar. Much like a lot of the sixth graders that I have in my program now. But I'm really glad I stuck with it because then I kind of started, you know, just playing a lot more, getting better and growing kind of like a love for playing violin and singing. I played in Maria Chino Santander, I guess from 2011 to 2015. And then I transferred over to UTRGV under the direction of Mr. Francisco Loera Pancho, as everybody knows him, and Dr. Guerra. And really, since then, I mean, I've just been really passionate about both singing, performing, mariachi music in general. I got my degree in, as you mentioned, in violin performance. I got my bachelor's in 2019, graduated with my master's in 2021, and started teaching at Edinburgh High

Miguel Gutierrez: 5:41

in 2021. So you've been active from the start. And ever since I've known you, you've never been in a slump or not doing something. You've always been working on some sort of project or in school or all these other things. So is that what you can say about yourself that you're just... You can't sit still.

Clyde Guerra: 6:03

Yes. I honestly, I think I'm really lucky that I was raised by two parents who are exactly the same way as me. You know, like they are extremely hardworking, extremely supportive. And so, I mean, I always saw my mom just work, work, work, work, work. My dad is the same way. And so I never really thought about like, let me just take a break. Let me just take an off year. I just wanted to move forward and move forward and move forward. And yeah. I never really gave myself a break either because I went into UTRGV and I was double majoring for the whole time that I was there. I was doing pre-med and I was doing music. And it wasn't until I was about to graduate with my music degree that I said, you know what? I think I need to make a choice and go for what's going to make my heart happy. And that's music.

Miguel Gutierrez: 6:51

I think I remember you saying that you were doing pre-med. Yeah. And you were doing music minor, right?

Clyde Guerra: 6:59

you know what it must have been yeah because the first year I don't think I was like an undeclared major if I'm not mistaken and so I was doing just both and I didn't really have like a major set it wasn't until Dr. Seitz by the way Dr. Seitz was my wonderful violin teacher until she told me you should you should focus on performance don't do education do performance it's going to give you a lot more practice time and I said okay So I finally went to go declare my major as performance. And then I also, because I had, I had like a full paid scholarship for my bachelor's. And the way that the music system works, like you have like an hour per class, right? And so I couldn't fill up what they needed me to have with just the music classes. So I said, I'm going to have to take like a lot of science classes or a lot of other classes to kind of get my full scholarship. So I started just doing pre-med and music classes.

Miguel Gutierrez: 7:52

Let's backtrack a little bit when you were in high school. So I want to say I remember that you took lessons, right? Like violin lessons? Yeah,

Clyde Guerra: 8:02

I took a few.

Miguel Gutierrez: 8:03

I want to bring that up because a lot of students, you know, that are in the mariachi in schools, I mean, some of them think that mariachi class is enough. But something that I, myself as a private teacher, have been pushing is you need to go get lessons. Yeah. Being in the class is not enough because, you know, we have to build all our technique and all these other things that we need in order to be in the field, right? And I remember you taking some lesson, right?

Clyde Guerra: 8:28

I did. I mean, I started violin lessons before I even joined mariachi back in, like, fifth grade. I must have taken a few lessons with Alex Trevino. Okay. That was, like, my first introduction to violin. And then... After that, I didn't take any private lessons until I was in high school. I think I took lessons with Dr. Pagan.

Miguel Gutierrez: 8:48

Oh,

Clyde Guerra: 8:49

okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I had met him through Corrine Garcia, who was also my violin teacher in Roma for a while. And so she introduced me to him. I started taking a few lessons. And he also, he was the one that helped me prepare to do an audition for UTPA, I guess, at the time, but UTRGB. Okay, okay.

Miguel Gutierrez: 9:06

And how would you say that they, those lessons helped you? Would you say they helped you? Yes,

Clyde Guerra: 9:11

of course. I think that like, so, I mean, I was obviously located in Roma. And so like the availability to take lessons was, it was hard because my parents did drive me to Dr. Bagan's house for a few times, but, but it was, you know, an hour and 15 away. And so it took up like a big chunk of time. And, um, But for students, especially here in the Valley, like I, I, even my students, I tell them, if you, if you can afford to take lessons, like do it because, um, like I, I wish sometimes that I could give my students more lessons just like me individually. But I know that like, I don't have the time, like, especially, um, with all the rehearsals that we have and all the, whatever is going on at school, the competitions, even on weekends. Like I, I just don't have the time sometimes to work individually with the students. And so I always encourage them, like, if you, if you can, like, Go out and find somebody that can help you individually. Because a lot of what we do in mariachi is group work. Right. Yeah. Right.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 10:09

Going back to your time at Rome.

Miguel Gutierrez: 10:13

Yeah, well, that's like the most interesting time, right? That we always would observe when you were there.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 10:18

Yeah.

Miguel Gutierrez: 10:18

So tell us something like your highest point being in the mariachi.

Clyde Guerra: 10:24

When you were in high school. I think that, I mean... I just, I loved my high school experience because I feel like that's where I learned a lot of what I'm doing now with my own program. I mean, Mr. Eloy Garza was my director back then and he, I mean, I think his success speaks for itself, right? And so I learned a lot from him and I think that he really, like my favorite part about being in that program was that like I grew as a performer in ways that I really didn't know that I could. And so I was always a singer. I did all the vocal competitions and I did the mariachi extravaganza every year. But I always was like a shy performer. And I really didn't know how to get rid of that because that's just what I knew. And so when Mr. Eloy Garza came in and he implemented his strict regime of just like what we're going to do and how things are going to be, a lot of that came with learning how to be a better performer. And so I learned a lot from him in that way. And I just like loved being on stage and, and performing. I mean, yeah, the time that I was there, there was so many wins, right? Like that's, that's what I remember that just like, we won this contest, this contest, this contest. I remember one of my favorite times is I, I know we got invited to play at a CHCI convention in Washington and we got to meet Obama at that convention. And so I like, you know, just being there opened up a lot of doors as well. And I don't know. I just like, I look back at it as, and I tell my students as well, like it's one of my favorite times because, um, when you're in high school, I mean, you're surrounded by students that are all the same age as you, they have the same goals as you. And it's really hard to kind of match that after you graduate, you know, they have the same energy. We, um, it's just like a beautiful thing to be a part of, you know? And, um, I still keep in touch with Mr. Eloy Garza and I still ask him for tips and tricks. And in my own program, he's come to clinic my group as well. And I kind of try to implement a lot of what he has going on in Roma in my own program.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 12:35

And it's very obvious, you can see that with all the accomplishments that your group has had. I mean, what, this past couple weeks you won at Festiva as a 6A group? Yes. And I think you did the same last year. Yeah. I mean... The work speaks for itself. Thank you.

Miguel Gutierrez: 12:50

And it's, well, Joelle and I always talk about how you've managed to do this at EHS in less than 10 years, you know, which is incredible. Yeah. It's something that you rarely see. You know, there's been people there and for a certain amount of time like that, and they've never been able to get to that, that particular level.

Clyde Guerra: 13:10

I'm just like, it's just, like I said, like it's part of my nature to be like extremely determined and hardworking. And so I, wherever I'm at, like I kind of think of what I'm doing as a project and I want to be like the best at that project. And, um, when I joined DHS in 2021, like I, I really just made it my goal to like build up the program. I really wanted them to be, to feel kind of like what I felt in Roma in their, in their school. And so it was difficult, you know, there was a lot of difficulties along the way. And, um, I just always knew that this is what I wanted the program to be. And it's taken me four years. But I'm happy with the success that the kids are having right now. And really, more than anything, it's like the changing culture at the school. That's what I'm happiest about. Because when I got to EHS, I mean, I didn't even have students that wanted to be part of the mariachi. And that really hurt me. I was like, oh my God, like I'm here and I'm willing to like... give my all to make this program good, but I couldn't find students that wanted to join. And so I was the stubborn teacher that was standing outside of the band hall and the orchestra room waiting for the students to come out. I'll mention my student Miguel because he's my all-stater for two years already. And I stopped him in the hallway like, hey, I want you to join Mariachi. And he was like, no. And I was like, come on, like you have to give it a shot. And he was like, no, I'm not really interested in that music. And that's kind of like the response that I got from a lot of the students. And I was like, and I would come back. Like they would tell me no, and I would go back the next day and wait outside. And I'd be like, so about that, joining Mariachi, just like come to one rehearsal, just one. And if you don't like it, like you don't have to stay. And so like, for example, him and so many others that started that first year, They came and they liked it and they stayed. And like, and I tell him now, like, imagine you wouldn't have stayed. You wouldn't have been, he's been a first, first year All-Stater twice in a row. And so like, that's like making history for EHS, especially because he was, he was the first Mariachi All-Stater and he did it like two years in a row. And so I think that's like the beautiful part about this is that like, I didn't really realize who, How I was changing the students until I look back at it now, I'm like, oh, wow, these students would have never been part of mariachi, never would have, I don't know, learned the repertoire. That's beautiful to me. you know, like that same kid comes up to me now and says like, have you heard like this new Jose Jose song? And I was like, what do you mean? And by the way, there is a new Jose Jose song. Did you guys know that? Really? Yes. Like I guess beyond the grave. Yes. Like they took it from the vault and like it's on YouTube and it's actually nice, but I'm like, what? And so I, yeah, I mean, it's,

Joel Lee Ozuna: 16:08

it's, it's a really, really nice thing. Yeah. I remember when you first started and you were frustrated. It's like, Oh, you were, you were expecting what you saw in Roma when you were a student over there. And it was in the same case here in Edinburgh. No,

Clyde Guerra: 16:23

it was not. But I mean, I'm glad that, you know, we've been able to build that culture. And I think the kids, like, it's really nice that the kids have success in like winning this contest and this contest. But really like what I like most about it is like what I just said, like looking back and thinking like they've learned something. They brought in like the genres of music that they listened to and that they were learning on their instrument. And, you know, now I have like a group of kids that really like they want to be there. And it's it's so different from the first year that I was there, like so, so different. And plus, I mean, and now we have a classroom, you know, and I think that's awesome as well, because that's a space where they can grow. They can showcase their trophies. They can showcase whatever they want to. When you walk into my classroom, I have the students' pictures lined up in black and white at the entrance. And just like, I don't know, something where they can kind of feel like their safe space, really, and where they can practice and all that good stuff.

Miguel Gutierrez: 17:28

Okay, well, I mean, you got a little ahead talking about EHS. I want to talk now about your time at the university.

Clyde Guerra: 17:33

Okay.

Miguel Gutierrez: 17:34

So when you made the choice to... stay in music all the way. What were some of the things that you said, Oh man, what did I do? Or did you have moments like that where you thought maybe this is not the right choice?

Clyde Guerra: 17:47

Um, yes. So like, I think that I, I, I grew up saying that I was going to be a doctor, right? Like that was, that was my thing. And I think that I, that came from really wanting to make like my mom proud because my mom is a nurse. And like, I really always looked up to her so much because like, I just saw how much she sacrificed to make sure that me and my sisters really had everything that we needed. Both her and my dad. I really wanted to make her proud by going into the medical field and being a successful doctor. I had the grades for it. I was always one of those students that I enjoyed. My AP chem class, my AP bio class. I was like, you know what? Naturally, this is what I'm going to go into. And When I was making that choice, it was difficult because I think it's really easy to be motivated by money. It's not a bad thing. But I really was like, I need to make money. I need to make the most money. And I started thinking, you know what? Is that going to make me happy in the long run? Am I going to be fulfilled? And actually, you know, I was getting a degree in performance. And I got my master's in performance. But I was like, am I going to be a performer? Am I going to go audition for professional orchestras? Am I going to try to audition for a professional mariachi? I didn't know what was going to come of that. And so I always had doubts. I really always had doubts. But I'm really glad that I went through with the music

Miguel Gutierrez: 19:44

route. That's why I bring it up. Because when I was growing up, and even I think when Hoyle was growing up, and we're studying music, they tell us, you got to go with music ed. All the time, right, they would tell us music ed, music ed, because that means stability. That means, you know, that you can find a job. They've always, you know, told you don't do performance. Or one time, Dr. Ryder told me, your future is very bleak as a performance major. Because, yeah, like, what kind of job can you get, right, as a majoring in performance? But, you know, you're living proof that, I mean, you have two degrees in it, and Look at you. And I tell people, I mean, he's able to do it. Why can't you? I

Clyde Guerra: 20:23

still, like the students, I have some students that now go into music and they ask me, should I do ed or should I do performance? Right, that's what I'm

Miguel Gutierrez: 20:29

getting at. Do you tell them about it?

Clyde Guerra: 20:32

I do. I tell them my experience and I tell them, look, this is my experience. And so you have to make your own decisions based on what's best for you. But, I mean, obviously Dr. Seitz did tell me you should be a performance major. I see a future for you in performance. this route, so go with this route. And I took her advice. But I always tell the students, if you know you're going to be an educator, then just do the education route. Because then that way, after you graduate, you don't have to do the program after you graduate to get your teaching

Miguel Gutierrez: 21:05

certificate. The alternative certifications.

Clyde Guerra: 21:07

Yes, alternative certifications. Because I had to do that in my first year working at EHS. And that was very stressful because I was doing... I was getting observed by regular administration and then at the same time getting observed by alternative certification administration or whoever they send. And so it was like double the work. And I don't regret it though because I did get a lot more practice time with the performance degree. I didn't go through the method classes. And I thought that jumping in without doing any of the method classes was going to be extremely difficult. But it's like anything else, like you learn on the job. And like, I didn't know jumping in to the mariachi job that like, you know, I didn't know anything about trumpet really. Like I knew just like the basics and armonia. Well, obviously I grew up playing guitar, but I didn't, you know, I didn't know vihuela, I didn't know harp, I didn't know guitarron. I learned on the job. Like I started and like I said, you know what, I can't stand in front of these kids without knowing what I'm talking about and what I'm doing. And so I just started learning. Because I needed to. And so, and even with trumpets right now, what I've learned is that, you know, you don't really have to play the instrument sometimes. Like those kids, they just, like I tell them, this is what I want. And they're able to do it. So.

Miguel Gutierrez: 22:25

My next question was going to be, okay, so you majored in performance. So why did you decide to be an educator?

Clyde Guerra: 22:34

Well, I feel like I did. It was kind of like a bumpy road when COVID started. So I was still doing my master's in 2021 and I was about to finish. And I didn't know what I was going to do. And I was kind of scared. I was like, what happens next? The unknown. Yes. And that was the scariest. I always had something to do. Something to do regardless of what it was. And that was the first time that I felt like it was all about to end. You know, like I was going to have a break or I was going to... Now what? Yeah. Now what? And so I, I, I didn't know if I, if I wanted to try the teaching, you know, but I started looking online and I started looking for jobs and I said, you know what, it might be a good, my parents told me, just take a break. You've been going to school for six years and you didn't take a break. And I, and I took summers and everything as well. So I was always just in school. And, um, I was like, I'm not that type of person. I don't know what's going to happen to me if I just don't do anything and take a break. So I started looking for jobs. I said, maybe let me try this teaching. And I saw the job posting for Edinburgh High School. And I said, you know what, let me apply. I took the interview and I didn't know. I was probably the candidate with the least experience there. So I kind of just went and I said, you know what, this will be good interview experience.

Miguel Gutierrez: 23:59

Okay.

Clyde Guerra: 23:59

So I was like, let me just go. And I did the interview and I remember them asking me at the end, why should we choose you? And I probably answered the question horribly because that's not what you're supposed to say. But I told them, well, I'm not really sure that you should because I am the candidate with the least experience. I was in the waiting room and I don't have experience like the other candidates out there. But if you're looking for somebody who is goal-oriented and who is going to make this program into a successful program, then that's going to be me because wherever the program is right now, like I'm going to take it and I'm going to build it and I'm, I'm going to make it a great successful program. And if that's what you're looking for, like I'm telling you right now, that's going to be me. Like you won't regret that decision. And then I got the job. So, um, I was like, Oh, okay. All right. And so that's, that's really how I got into teaching. I, I, again, like I, I never, ever thought that I was going to be an educator, ever. And even when Dr. Seitz would ask me, like, what is it that you want to do? I'm like, not teaching. Whatever it is, but it's not going to be teaching. And she used to tell me, like, well, you do know that you always end up teaching, regardless if you're a performer, if you're an educator, but you will always end up teaching somehow, even if you're just giving lessons. And I was like, okay, well, that's fine. But then, like, now I'm here. And I've been at EHS for four years.

Miguel Gutierrez: 25:30

Is that the only job you applied for?

Clyde Guerra: 25:33

I applied to one other job. I think I applied at Nicky Rowe. They were looking for an assistant mariachi director at the high school. So I think that was my... I can't remember if I did that interview before or after the EHS one, but that was one of my first interviews as well.

Miguel Gutierrez: 25:50

I have understood that you were approached to teach at the university, right? Can you tell us about that?

Clyde Guerra: 25:56

Yeah, so I think I made really great relationships with like all my professors at UTRGV. And I don't know. I don't want to say I was teacher's pet because that doesn't really happen at university. But I really did work hard and I think they saw that, like whatever professor I had. And so I think they had an adjunct position opening up and I did talk to them about it as like I really wanted to because that was like my, I call it like my home. lived in those practice rooms until the security kicked me out at like three in the morning like that and I had my practice room like that that's Clyde's practice room with the double pianos one black one white one and like that was just mine and I lived in there and so I really wanted to come back and like be part of it again like I didn't want to leave UTRGV and so I really considered like being adjunct even if it was just adjunct faculty because I saw it as kind of like you know That's my foot in. And then I could further down the line, get my doctorates and stay working there. But I didn't know how hard it was going to be to be an educator at the public school level. So I, you know, at the end of the day, I did not have the time. I didn't have the time.

Miguel Gutierrez: 27:13

So what other side projects have you done? I mean, I know you did a singing competition on TV.

Clyde Guerra: 27:18

Oh, my goodness. Yeah, I did. I did La Voz Mexico. I did that in 2019, if I'm not mistaken. And that was actually like, that's an interesting story that I don't know if I've ever told, but that actually came from like an invitation over Facebook Messenger. And like one of the producers reached out to me on Facebook Messenger and it was just like a message that said, we would like to invite you to audition for La Voz Mexico. Like, please reach back out. And I don't think I answered the message because I was like, okay, this is... This is obviously like a scam. Somebody's trying to prank me. I was like, this is a really mean prank, by the way. But then I think the next day, like they sent me a message like, can we have your number? And I was like, okay, stranger danger. Like I'm not going to give my number to this person. But then for some reason I was like, you know what? I will. So I just texted back my number. I was like, this is my number. And they called me right away. I know. It's crazy. They called me right away. And they said, we would like to invite you to audition on the televised auditions. And I was like, oh, okay, cool. So that was like, I want to say it was like four days before they actually flew me out. They flew me out on my birthday. So it's almost like the anniversary of that because my birthday is this Wednesday. But they flew me out on my birthday. I still didn't have a song choice. They sent me while I was on the plane, like, this is what you're going to sing. And I think it was Adele. I don't even know what it was from Adele, but it was Adele. And I'm pretty sure it was from a cover that I had on my YouTube channel. So I think they had seen a video and that's why they decided to invite me. And then when I landed, they were like, never mind. We're going to change it to like... And I was like, oh, dang, I don't know that song. And they were like, and by the way, you audition tomorrow. So I was like, oh, my God. And that was like the most stressful, stressful time because I was like trying to learn lyrics in my sleep. And I was like, and this is going to be on TV. And I was so stressed that whole experience, really, because it was like... I was nervous about speaking Spanish, even though I grew up speaking Spanish like... I don't know. It was just like, I went to Mexico city and I felt like the Spanish was different. Like everybody was talking so fast and I was like, oh my God, what are they going to say? My name is Clyde. But I was like, it's not text message. But you know what? Like, interestingly enough, like I grew up in Roma with everybody mispronouncing my name. Like I've heard it all. I've heard cloud. I've heard clay. I've heard cliff, um, Clark, um, Like, I don't know. When I got my UTRGB suit, I don't know if you were there, Miguel, like it said Larry. I don't know why it said Larry. I was like, why Larry? But anyways, I got sidetracked. So no, I mean, that whole experience was like beautiful. That was like my first ever experience with like what happens behind the scenes at like a television show. And I loved it. I really did. Like I was like, I hope I get to experience this again because I don't know. There was just something about it. Like it felt... That's where I was supposed to be. There was so much going on backstage and there were rehearsals and we're going to go pick you up from the hotel at five in the morning. It was really, really busy and very strict as well. You can't leave the hotel, you can't do this, you can't do that. I didn't care. I was like, I really, really love this. I had that experience and Those videos are still on YouTube. You can see them. And I'll never forget that. That was the most nervous I had ever been. Ever. And I told myself, you've done this so many times. It's okay. But it was so different because I had never had like 18 cameras just floating around me. And I was like, oh my God, what if I trip and I fall? You're not wearing a

Miguel Gutierrez: 31:29

traje too, right?

Clyde Guerra: 31:30

Yeah, I was not. And I really, that was one thing that I really, I told them like, can I wear my traje? And they're like, maybe in the future. But like right now we want to do this first. I'm like, okay. So, I mean, and they get to dress you as well. And everything is really fun, honestly. Like that's one of the best experiences I've had. And I got to live it again with the, with Aspen and the Peso Pluma. I

Joel Lee Ozuna: 31:52

was

Clyde Guerra: 31:54

about to ask, yes, that's right. But that was actually more crazy. And another crazy story that I hope Aspen doesn't mind me telling, but Aspen was obviously like posting videos of Peso Pluma, you know, covers on her violin on TikTok. And I was just being the supportive friend, you know, like I was just like commenting on every video and, But the story behind that one is like really funny because she called me and she was like, I'm going to go on tour with Beso Pluma. And I was like, oh, what? And this was, like, literally after, like, one or two videos. And I was like, are you serious? Like, that is so cool. And she was like, no, but we're manifesting it. And I was like, what? And she was like, yeah, we have to manifest this. And I was like, okay. And I didn't even question it. I was like, okay. So then for, like, the next few weeks, next few months, we would have, like, crazy conversations. Like, Peso Pluma called me today and I was like, oh, cool. What did he say? You know, I was just going along with it. And it was, like, really funny. But, like, we would have detailed conversations about, like... Well, what are we going to wear? And I was like, what about we? I was like, this is you. This is not me. But she's like, no, I'm taking you with me. And when we first played with him, we're going to be wearing all black. And, you know, like, they're going to be really cool outfits and all this stuff. And I was like, yeah. So when she actually called me and said, Peso saw one of my videos and he... He wants me to do the VMAs and you're going with me. And I was like, and I remember that day I was, I had had a really hard day at work. So I was like, it was the first time that I didn't like, that I wasn't excited. And I was like, yeah, I was like, that's really cool. And she was like, no, Clyde, this is happening. And I was like, uh-huh, yeah. I was like, this is still part of our manifestation. I was like, this is going to happen. I was like, you work for it, Aspen. And I was like, this, it is going to come to you. And I'm like, I know it. It's going to happen for you. And we start, we like, I don't know what happened. We hung up the phone. She calls me the next day and she was like, I'm mad at you. And I was like, why? She's like, I literally told you that Peso Pluma invited me to the VMAs and that I want to take you with me. And you did not, like, you were just like dead. And I was like, I was like, sorry, it's because I had a hard day at work. I was like, but I was like, it's going to happen. And she's like, no, it's happening. And so I was like, no way. And she's like, yeah. And so I was like, and you're really going to take me with you? And she's like, yeah, let's do it. And so I was like, okay. I didn't even know what I was doing either. I was like, all right, I guess we're going to go play. And we did wear all black. And so I think that's a really cool story to tell because I don't know if anybody's skeptical about manifestation, but it truly worked. It really worked.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 34:53

That's a crazy story.

Clyde Guerra: 34:54

Yeah,

Miguel Gutierrez: 34:54

no, that's exciting. And then you were on the headlines the next day.

Clyde Guerra: 34:58

Yes, I think that the Valley was really proud that... that I was up there. I didn't even tell my students about it. I didn't tell anybody about it because it was secretive. We weren't supposed to tell anybody. We had rehearsals here in McAllen and Hidalgo, but still I didn't tell anybody that he was here or anything that was going on because I really didn't want to ruin it for Aspen. I was like, this is your thing and I'm really proud of you and I'm just going with you.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 35:26

So he flew to the Valley to rehearse with

Clyde Guerra: 35:28

you? Yes. He had a show here, I think, in Hidalgo. And so we rehearsed before that.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 35:33

And who came up with that arrangement or that idea? I

Clyde Guerra: 35:37

believe that it was like an edit that somebody had made on TikTok. They had actually made that transition going into the Lady Gaga song. And he liked it. And then I guess he reached out to Aspen and he was like, I want to do this. And so that's how it all... That's

Joel Lee Ozuna: 35:57

how it was born.

Clyde Guerra: 35:57

Yeah, the idea was born. And I'm still really proud of Aspen. She's still on tour with Peso Pluma right now. I'm like... That to me is really special because I know that she worked for it. Good for her.

Miguel Gutierrez: 36:13

Nice. Any side projects

Clyde Guerra: 36:14

now? Oh my God. Right now, no. I think that I'm just taking it day by day. I really have thrown myself fully into being an educator and Even right now, like on spring break, I could be somewhere else, but I'm having rehearsals. And so I do sometimes want to do side projects. And if anybody invites me, I'll be like, yes. If Pancho invites me to go play for something for Festiva, I'm like, yes, let's do it. Or any other side projects, I love to kind of just jump in and do that because I miss performing. That's one thing about teaching that's been hard, that I kind of get to teach the students and I see them On stage and sometimes I'm like, oh, that used to be me. And I miss that. I do miss singing. I miss playing my violin. And so I don't know. But it's about like I think I'm barely getting my feet wet. I know this is like year four. And I think I really have to kind of just find that balance between work and personal life so that I can keep on doing projects.

Miguel Gutierrez: 37:19

Something that I really admire about you. I've always known that you're a performer since you were a kid, since we saw you buy your first violin with Joelle

Joel Lee Ozuna: 37:29

and

Miguel Gutierrez: 37:29

see you grow up. We always knew you were a performer, but to be a performer and an educator, it's really rare to find that particular breed. And I congratulate you for that because I've seen the work that you've done and that you've been putting in. And even now during this talk that you're expressing how immersed you are with your students. That tells me a lot.

Clyde Guerra: 37:52

You know, it's crazy because I often tell people, like, I don't even know who I am because I think I've changed so much. Like, sometimes I have to just sit down and be like, wow.

Miguel Gutierrez: 38:06

That's not change. It's growth.

Clyde Guerra: 38:07

Yeah. But even my personality, like, I was always just working for me. You know, like, I was doing... How am I going to advance my career? What am I going to do to help me get better at this, this, this? And I have my YouTube channel and I try to do those projects. And I just wanted to know like how I could be successful. And now I'm this, you know, I'm a mariachi director. And instead of focusing on me, I'm focusing on the kids every single day. And I like to see their growth, you know, and that's kind of what I'm doing every day. And so I've just changed into this person who's just like fully just like, invested in the growth of every kid that's in the program. And it's really special for me to see like how, what success they get. And, and even if it's a little bit, you know, as long as they've learned something from me and they grow as performers and they're just getting better at their craft, like that makes me happy. And so I don't know, there's just, it's really, it's very strange for me really to see how I've, grown or changed since I was in college all the way now.

Miguel Gutierrez: 39:20

What would you say is your biggest struggle to get to where you're at?

Clyde Guerra: 39:28

You know, I think like it's, it's one of my weaknesses as well as I'm, I'm a very indecisive person. And so I tend to take forever to make like any decision. And then even once I make the decision, I'm still thinking like, was it the right one? Was it the wrong one? And so, um, with the, with the school program, I think that I really had to, to learn what is the best way to approach building the program to be successful in my own way. I've been through Mr. Eloy Garza's Roma program. I've been through Pancho and Dr. Raza Aslan. And that was very different. And then of course I tutored, you know, I, while I was in college, I tutored, I think at Sherryland, I tutored at EHS actually for a bit. Um, and other places that I can't remember right now. But I got to learn how different people taught. And then I came back to HS and I'm like, okay, but what's going to be my way of teaching? What's going to work here? Because whatever works in Roma might not work here. Whatever works in Rio might not work here. And so that's actually what I've learned. It doesn't always work like that. And so that's been my biggest struggle, just learning what's going to work best for... like my own teaching style. And I'm grateful that like I've learned what that is now and how I can really just work with every student, no matter like what it is that they need or how they learn. I kind of have to adapt and see like, how can I help them? But it is, like I said, like it's a struggle because I'm very indecisive. And so like I always have those thoughts about like, is this the wrong choice? Am I doing the wrong thing? Is this the wrong song to pick for competition because everything is so heavily competition based? And I think that's been it.

Joel Lee Ozuna: 41:23

What's one piece of advice that you would give to somebody who wants to continue their education in

Clyde Guerra: 41:30

music? Just make sure that you're doing it for the right reasons. and that you're passionate about it and if you are then don't give up because there's a lot of this this field it's it's a roller coaster like you're it's always just going ups and downs ups and downs but if you are truly passionate about it then it's it's what you should do it's what I tell my own students they ask me sir should I go into music are you sure you want to like are you passionate about it will you dedicate all the amount of hours that it takes to to be a good musician um And if the answer is yes, then yes, you should go into

Miguel Gutierrez: 42:04

music. Nice. Well, thanks for being here, Clyde. Thanks for having me. I learned a lot about you today. I'm glad. I'm pretty sure everyone will now know more about you, not just, you know, the videos.

Clyde Guerra: 42:15

Oh, I'm glad. I'm glad. Thank you for joining us today and sharing your story. Oh, thank you so much for the invitation.