An LFHS student is making waves in his community—not on a sports field or theater stage—but instead at his church, where he plays the bass for the worship band. Junior Nick Alarcon has brought his talent to Christ Church of Lake Forest with the purpose of playing for something bigger than himself.
Alarcon describes that he was raised in a musical family. While growing up and taking inspiration from his mother and sister, he dabbled with various instruments: the piano, bassoon, and cello. But for Alarcon, it was the bass that stuck. Since his middle school days, he has consistently practiced and sharpened his bass skills, becoming a better musician by the day.
His goal of performing music became more clear by the day: Alacron found it important for himself and his faith to play for something greater.
Alarcon’s first involvement in playing at Christ Church was while being a part of the church’s Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) band. From there, he joined the church’s main worship team— which consistently performs at various services like Sanctuary Saturdays and Sunday morning service. He now averages around eight performances per month with the band.
To the musician, his worship group offers a musical and spiritual community. He notes that the band gives him the opportunity to learn musically from other members of the group all while growing in his faith.
“When musicians are only practicing with people on their own skill level, they aren’t improving as much as when they are playing with older people. So, [by] playing in an adult worship group, I get to learn so much from others,” Alarcon said.
His band’s community doesn’t just represent a group of people playing music together, but a family who leans on each other.
Alarcon’s bandmates can attest to his personable and inviting personality. From the get-go, he created several friendships within the hard-working group.
“Nick is very talented and friendly. We are constantly impressed with what he is able to do, and he is always willing to jump in and help out,” said fellow member Makayla Linsner.
He isn’t just growing musical skill through band practice, but he uses this outlet as a chance to grow spiritually, as he dedicates his playing to his faith and worship.
“I’m learning how to worship better. I feel like this is something I’ll be practicing for the rest of my life,” Alacron said.
Through playing in church, he has taken a particular liking to Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), but the young musician appreciates a wide variety of music genres. From classic rock to country and metal, Alacron finds himself practicing an array of musical genres and pieces. When it comes to inspiration in his practice of CCM, he notes that some of his favorite artists include Cody Carnes, Firm Foundation, and Jenn Johnson.
Listening to these songs and playing them, along with joining his church’s band, Alarcon notes that his relationship with God has been heavily influenced for the better.
“Playing really helped me, in that I am closer to the music. I am constantly practicing my worship as I am playing, and it has all been overall really helpful. Through playing, I’m getting the opportunity to be closer to the lyrics and words of God,” Alarcon said.
He explained that there is a need for balance between playing the music and being attentive in your worship. Although he describes it as a challenge, it is a skill that he has acquired since joining Christ Church’s band.
A personal priority of his is “serving the music” whether it be practicing by himself or performing at services. He doesn’t play for himself to impress or to sound “the best”— he plays to serve the music and, more importantly, help others in their devotion.
Alarcon described one of his favorite performances at a service that took place on Good Friday, where he relays the performance as “an absolute experience.”
“It was nothing like a normal service,” he said. “It kind of changed how I see a lot of the movement in the church. It felt like we were creating a moment that Friday. One of the songs we did was ‘How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,’ as it just felt so right.”
After performing, he realized he connected to one of the verses deeper than the rest, and he now believes that it has the power to move other high schoolers the way it moved him.
The verse reads:
“Behold the man upon a cross: My sin upon His shoulders; Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there, Until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life: I know that it is finished. Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.”
Past his activity in the church, he focuses on practicing his faith through leading LFHS’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter. FCA works to lead athletes in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and Alarcon’s mentorship has been nothing short of accommodating in this mission.
“Nick has been a very strong leader, and his passion for spreading his faith is very clear. It really helps us make strong plans and meetings,” fellow FCA leader Kacey Busam said.
Alarcon is a name to remember for his kindness, devotion to the spread of his faith, and helpfulness around the community. He is just getting started, and his community believes he is destined for future greatness.
