As most students hurry to class, they walk briskly past the library and into the Commons. As the walk through, bright music fills the high walls and echoes beautifully throughout the space. When students continue through the Commons, they are able to enjoy the sweet melody now swirling around them. The privilege of listening to impressive music has lately been available for students as they go about their days. 

The incredible musicians that provide the piano playing are freshman Antionio Cortes and Junior Ben Guernieri. Music and piano have always been a part of their life. Even as little kids, they showed signs of being interested in music. 

“My mom first saw me banging on things as percussion, like piano is,” said Cortes. 

Their passion for playing has always been second nature to them, and they were able to pursue music thanks to the support of their parents.

“My dad’s a musician, and he got me this tiny piano for my first birthday,” said Guernieri. “My dad is my biggest inspiration.”

Through parental support, their love for music and performance grew. Upon beginning his time at LFHS, Cortes was drawn to play in the Commons simply because “there’s a piano here; it’s free practice.”

As a musician and performer, the nerve-wracking emotions that may come with playing in front of your peers is no big deal for Guernieri. 

“Why wouldn’t I play?” he said.

The talent of these performers is not limited to LFHS, as they have been able to share their skill with a much broader audience than just those in the community. Cortes has played at the Symphony for the Music Institute of Chicago.

“I travel down there once or twice a week and perform for people. I’ve also been able to play with the orchestra,” said Cortes.

Guernieri is interested in other aspects of music as well, not just playing and performing.

“I play whatever I write, and I try to write every single note down. It can sometimes be very hard. You just have to wait until an idea comes,” said Guernieri.

This level of passion and talent requires many hours of work and dedication to the craft, but Guernieri and Cortes assert that they don’t struggle with the time commitment.

“You don’t even notice you are practicing because you just enjoy it. If I’m just sitting there, the time literally flies by,” said Cortes.

The passion of these artists is clear, as their enjoyment of the music piano playing provides makes the time commitment and potential anxiety around performing fall away to leave just the dedication to their music. 

The Commons is a place that many students walk by every day, making Cortes and Guernieri’s audience of students, staff, and administrators very large.

Especially for those who are in the commons throughout almost the entire day, the music is very special to them. 

“It’s very beautiful and soothing to listen to. It fills the room with music,” admin secretary Patrice McDermand said. 

Many feel as though they are privileged to be able to hear such beautiful and professional music as they go through the motions of their normal days. The music not only is enjoyable, but can reduce stress. According to psychiatry.org, hearing music can reduce anxiety.

The effects of their music can be felt throughout the LFHS community, as they provide beautiful renditions of their favorite kinds of music.

Whether it be “Rachmaninoff” or “classical and jazz,” the music that Cortes and Guernieri provide to LFHS is greatly appreciated.

Watch there performances here:

Cortes performance

Guernieri performance