In the world of music, every student’s journey is unique, shaped by passion, perseverance, and the guidance of those who nurture their talent. For seventh grader Zach Krys, his journey has been marked by impressive achievements, a deep love for music, and a strong partnership with many mentors like band director, Edgar Rubio. Through this collaboration, Zach has not only honed his skills on the electric guitar but also grown as a musician with a bright future ahead.
One of the most significant milestones in Zach’s musical journey came when he was asked to perform the national anthem at a Miami Heat game. For most musicians, playing for a crowd of thousands would be nerve-wracking, but not for Zach.
“For me, I feel like the bigger the crowd, the better I play,” says Zach. “When I’m on stage with a lot of people, it feels like time stops. I’m in my own headspace, and it feels like I’m just practicing.”
Zach practiced the national anthem relentlessly, eventually reaching a point where he could play it in his sleep. Edgar, recognizing his talent and drive, encouraged Zach to infuse his performance with something extra — to channel Jimi Hendrix’s legendary rendition from Woodstock. This was a pivotal moment in Zach’s musical growth, pushing him to not only improve technically but also to embrace his unique style and personality on stage.
As a teacher, Mr. Rubio has been consistently impressed by Zach’s positivity, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. “Whenever I give him constructive criticism, he’s very willing to try it,” says Edgar. “You hear him trying it, and it comes through in his playing.”
Zach’s dedication to improvement is evident in his daily practice routine. Whether he’s soloing over a backing track, using a metronome, or working on new songs, Zach puts in the time and effort to refine his skills. His hard work recently paid off when he was accepted into the prestigious All-State Middle School Jazz Band.
Zach’s musical journey began relatively recently in 2019. Like many others, the lockdown provided Zach with an unexpected opportunity to immerse himself in something new. While his siblings had dabbled in music in the past, it was Zach who picked up the guitar from storage and began to teach himself.
“It was around my birthday when I got my first electric guitar,” Zach recalls. “And that’s when I really started to pick up the interest in it.” Before the pandemic, Zach had never really played an instrument, but as the world slowed down, music became his refuge. His early influences came from iconic bands like The Beatles, which ignited his interest, followed by a dive into heavier rock music like Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and Van Halen. These legends became the foundation of his musical identity.
Zach Krys’ journey as a musician is just beginning, but his dedication, work ethic, and natural talent have already set him on an exciting path. With support in and outside of Gulliver, and his growing experience in both local performances and prestigious opportunities like playing for the Miami Heat, Zach continues to push himself to new heights. His passion for music and his drive to improve ensure that the best is yet to come. Whether he’s performing for a crowd or practicing in his room, Zach is well on his way to making his musical dreams a reality!
Support Our Students: Zach’s story is a testament to how dedication, a positive mindset, and the support of a strong music program can help transform raw talent into exceptional skill and open doors to remarkable opportunities. To support the arts at Gulliver, click here.
