The Little Theater at LFHS filled with excitement and curiosity as students from the performing arts and music programs gathered to welcome back distinguished alumnus Marco Paguia. The 1995 graduate and recent Tony Award winner for Best Orchestrations returned to speak with students about his journey from the halls of LFHS to the stages of Broadway.

Paguia has established a name for himself as a respected music director, conductor, pianist, arranger, and orchestrator based in New York City. His recent Tony win was a culmination of years of determination and passion––all beginning in the theater he recently gave his speech in.

“This theater shaped a lot of my performing qualities,” Paguia said to students, as he recalled it being brand new during his own high school years.  

At LFHS, Paguia was involved in the band. It was the group’s formative experiences––like performing in the pep band at football games––that instilled his passion for music. Although he admits he was a “really bad trumpet player” in the band, he credits a “very supportive band director” for recognizing his talent at piano and encouraging him to pursue it.

“I always played music as a little kid, but it was always something I had to do. It wasn’t until my junior and senior year that I took an actual interest in it because of the support I received,” Paguia said.

After high school, Paguia stayed close to home, applying to college as a classical pianist major and eventually earning his music degree from Northwestern University. At Northwestern, he had the opportunity to explore theater and began building relationships that would later benefit and shape his professional career. 

“I always knew music was a part of my future while I attended LFHS. The great thing about college is finding people similar to you: creative, curious, driven people,” Paguia said. “It wasn’t until Northwestern that I saw theater in my future, and the connections I made in school became my most valuable resources later on when starting my career.” 

Paguia attests to the importance of theater in his life and the world.

“The Greeks created democracy, but at the same time, they also created drama,” Paguia said. “Drama was created to hold up a mirror to society to be able to criticize ourselves and our leaders. By having the public bear witness together, you start to learn empathy and new perspectives.” 

One of his favorite aspects of working in the theatrical and musical world is the creativity and originality it allows. 

“The opposite of destruction is creation, and art is creation. I feel that creation when I perform and feel the energy coming from the audience. Theater is one of the only  places where you can sit next to everyone and collectively feel something,” Paguia said. 

His path after college led him to New York City, where he lived with a relative at first, sleeping on a couch for the summer; his courageous leap of faith proved to be pivotal.  When asked how he pushed through low points and honed his craft, he reflected on the value of adversity. 

“Many students see the phases of life as a linear projection: college then out in the world. The experiences that humble you are the ones you must lean into. I think that it’s those experiences that give you confidence. Don’t be afraid of challenging experiences,” Paguia said. 

One of the first lessons he learned was just how competitive the industry could be. Surrounded by others chasing the same goals, he realized the importance of collaboration: not only a survival skill, but as a way to grow.

“People in the business don’t always get along, but some of the best conversations come from tension and discussion. It’s good to have people to challenge you,” Paguia said. “One thing I’m learning more and more as a professional in New York is that theater is a collaborative community, with everyone—from the people on stage to those backstage, ushers, and costume makers—working toward a common goal.”

It was a culmination of a lot of hard work––accompanied by many ups and downs––that resulted in receiving his Tony nomination for Best Orchestrations for the Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club. The musical focuses on the legendary Afro-Cuban musicians who reunited decades after the Cuban Revolution to record a Grammy-award winning album and create a documentary. It takes place from the 1950s to 1990s in Havana, and the story shows how music endures through everything––even a revolution and years of societal change.“Being nominated was a really beautiful thing for me. The nomination felt like an affirmation that what I’ve been doing is being recognized,” Paguia said. 

Paguia was announced the winner of the 78th Tony Awards Best Orchestrations, and he was awarded a special Tony as part of the Buena Vista Social Club band––making him a two-time Tony winner. 

At the end of his presentation, Paguia reflected on his years as a musician and student. He explained the value in determining what your own “lane” is, advising students with artistic passions to discover which path best suits their talents and goals.

Paguia’s story, shaped by the same love for the fine arts that many students share, serves as an inspiration at LFHS––a powerful reminder that commitment and focus are essential for success.

“Meeting someone who has been successful in show business is so incredibly amazing. I love how he was honest with us, explaining how hard he had to work to get to where he is now,” said freshman Sean Lee, who is involved in One Acts, Madrigals, and the Choir program. 

As students listened in awe, many found that hearing Paguia’s story––one that began in the same theater they currently perform in––made their own goals feel more attainable. His dedication deeply resonated with students, inspiring them to consider what’s possible in their own artistic pursuits. 

“As someone who aspires to pursue a career in the arts, it was inspiring to listen to Paguia. Being able to hear from someone who started in the same place and has made such a successful career for himself makes it feel like it’s possible for me to achieve my goals with the same persistence and hard work that he has demonstrated throughout his career,” said participant of One Acts sophomore Eloise Fairchild.

It is evident that Paguia’s legacy has left a lasting impact on LFHS and its students, as he sets a powerful example of a goal-oriented musician with ambition and a deep passion for his craft.