Life, Love, & Issac Trujillo
“Life!” he bellows out into the evening air as we sit on a bench outside of Rock 101 Heights. This one word answer to my question is followed by heartfelt laughter, the type that makes you want to join in just to share in the warm feeling. This is the first full conversation Issac Trujillo and I have shared and I enjoy the comfort of it. To look at Issac, it is easy to guess that he loves heavy metal. It is in getting to know this musician that a myriad of other elements reveal themselves.
Tracing back his musical origin story, his curiosity for music was inspired by his cousins. He remembers being in 4th grade and hearing them play. It was one of those moments where time paused and he realized that music was not something you just played. It was, in fact, something that could be created. Like building a table, music could be crafted with your own hands. The sense of wonder that this generated within him propelled him forward into a world of musical exploration.
Issac played saxophone during elementary school, guitar during middle school, and electric guitar in high school. While pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music Education at New Mexico State University, the world of music expanded for him. This is where he learned all the things: piano, drums, trumpet, etc. After also earning a Master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition, it was time to put knowledge into action. He spent about 8 years teaching music in middle and high school. He also played music in several bands in the community, initially favoring heavy metal.
Issac remembers a seminal moment that shifted his perspective. Throughout life, he had done varying things (go to college, get a job, etc.) because it was assumed. It is what one did in life. He did not do these things with excitement. He simply did them because it was the thing to do. One day in class, a professor shared the sentiment that everyone, at every moment, had a choice. One did not have to do anything. Every action was a voluntary step and every action had repercussions that would lead you further down a particular path, positive or negative. This concept made Issac rethink his perspective on life. From that day on, he started actively choosing what he did. He engaged in every choice with intention, knowing that he could have chosen anything. He began to commit to his decisions and deal with any consequences. Not only does this highlight Issac’s character, it also sheds light on the impact a single teacher can have.
Issac joined Rock 101 early on during its second summer. He remembers meeting with Kevin, who shared a summary of Summer Sessions. Kevin explained that even if a student had never played music before, by the end of a week they would perform with a band. Issac was happy to be part of this endeavor though he admits that he didn’t quite think that goal was possible. One week into Summer Sessions, he was excited to be proven wrong. As he looked around, what he saw was a place where music belonged to every person. Knowledge was shared openly and students were enthusiastically met exactly where they were. It is during this first summer - in this humble writer’s opinion - that Issac Trujillo fell in love with Rock 101.
Twelve years later, Issac continues to find joy in teaching music as well as exploring his own musical journey. For him, it is all about having a willingness to learn. Ability does not factor into the equation. As long as you have the courage to step into the unknown and admit you are ready to learn, he will be there for you. Issac is inspired not by famous people or bands but rather by individuals he sees in his own community who step outside the norm to do their own thing. The people who would prioritize being themselves when fitting in would be much easier. Those who choose to take a risk when adhering to the status quo would provide more comfort.
Issac embodies these qualities himself. Although initially focused solely on heavy metal music, he learned to open himself to all the options. Over the years, he has played with a variety of bands: heavy metal, country, and ska, just to name a few. He strives to be the “worst” musician in a band, that way ensuring that he will continue to learn and grow.
Music is everywhere and it belongs to everyone. Not only can listening to music be an escape, it also provides a way to consciously shift your mood and thoughts. Not a single life would remain unaltered by the removal of music. By learning to play and craft your own music, you bring this to the next level. For Issac, performing with others is a rewarding activity. Music means something to everyone and to be part of this brings him fulfillment.
So here we sit on the bench outside of Rock 101 Heights. Our chat is nearly over and I have just one more question for Issac.
“What is the greatest adventure?” I ask.
“Life!” he joyfully bellows, followed by that heartfelt laughter.
To live means to choose every action and to willingly step into the unknown understanding that you could have chosen to do anything else. To live means to be present in every decision and to engage with intention. To live means to face your mistakes and successes with equal attention and to continue to grow regardless. To live in this way means to be empowered by your own freedom.
To live, my friends, is to be Issac Trujillo.
- Danielle Parker