AN ALUMNUS of the Far Eastern University bagged local and international awards in snare competitions last year.

Aaron Reyes, senior member of FEU’s Drum and Bugle Corps and graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management, placed second in the Malaysia International Virtual Band Championships for the Open-Percussion Solo Category.

Reyes also got the third highest score in the Asian Virtual Championships 2020 for the Snare-Open Class Division and was among the 26 gold medalists from the Philippines in the event hosted by the Asian Marching Band Confederation.

“First thing that pushed me to compete was the children. FEU Drumline taught me not only to compete but inspire, so I was mindful of the children aspiring to be musicians that will be watching. Second, I wanted other countries to know that we can do what they can and how capable Filipinos are of making their own solo compositions,” Reyes said.

He was the champion in an international-level competition, “Trick or Beat 2020” Virtual Drumline Competition for the Snare Solo Category, University Division held by The Drumline Network in October 2020 and in Winter Guard International E-solo Southeast and International Division.

Reyes also dominated local competitions such as the Suay Mak, Pambansang Samahan ng Banda ng Pilipinas Snare challenge where he placed first; Musiko Virtual Competition 2020 and John Wooton Throwdown Challenge, where he placed second and third, respectively.

He had a total of seven wins last year.

Reyes attributed his success to his diligence in developing his craft, devoting much time in training at the FEU campus.

“Developing your love for playing instruments is already music itself, but playing to compete and prove your superiority to others, that’s a different thing,” he said.