Meet Alex Ruiz, Étude Class of 2020 graduate. Alex continued his career with Étude High School after attending Étude Middle School. During his time at ÉHS, he developed abundant musical talent—often filling the Étude halls with his infamous drum solos.
“I’ve learned many different skills through the music programs here at Etude. I’ve learned the basics of music theory and song/lyric writing, been taught how to use music programs like Pro Tools, have an understanding of using music equipment, and most of all, Étude helped me find new musical passions: piano, drums, and guitar. It’s given me a new way to express myself, as I used to do that through art. So, a very big thanks to Drew Fredrichsen for forming the music part of my brain.”
Alex often used music to convey his learning as well as researched how music can enhance learning, especially for those students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder—one of many projects he completed.
“My favorite project was absolutely the one I worked on with Max Heinen, who is not only my best friend and supporter, but a fantastic musician with an open mind. We worked on developing a song that would help spread a message: rock, as a genre, isn’t as prominent as it used to be. We wanted to revive that genre, and we wanted to use our favorite genre itself to express the idea, and we came up with a song. That beautiful song was called “You Too”, which had memorable guitar riffs, expressive lyrics, and vocals we both belched out live. We wanted to create a song that would speak out to many, and help showcase the message in an art form we both enjoy like crazy. And It was very successful, with people from school and even my own family humming the song at times.”
High school music teacher Drew Fredrichsen had this to say about his time watching Alex grow in his musical talents:
“Alex was the Swiss army knife of my music classes. Whether it be as a drummer, vocalist, percussionist, engineer, songwriter, etc. he could always be counted on to help make music. One of the most naturally talented musicians I have had as a student; incredible ear for picking up ideas. He's a guy who has a true passion for music and wants to do it all the time; it's when I have seen him the most engaged and happy as a human being. ‘Like a fish in water’ is most emblematic of Alex’s relationship with music and to that I say swim Alex swim.”
Congratulations Alex and thank you for being a part of the Étude community! Go forth with an excitement for learning, a desire to explore and the knowledge that you are empowered to change the world.
“I’ll take the amazing spirit and vibes that I’ve experienced from this school. You could explore anything you wanted, and your peers and teachers would literally go out their way to help you out with it. I’m thankful for the teachers that have helped me through the crazy frustrations I’ve gone through over the years, the friends I’ve met along the way, and the classes that let me express myself through different art forms. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here. I’ve learned a lot and I hope to put that to good use in my future, and see where I can go with what I’ve learned. And a shoutout for the friends and teachers who’ve helped me most: Maxim Heinen, Hailey Zschetsche, Flora Chapa, Abby Coutts, Alex Ruppel, Quentin Kruis, Paige Zabel, Addie Degenhardt, Courtney Kissinger, and Drew Fredrichsen. Can’t appreciate ya’ll enough.”
