Xander Caballero: A Redwood Musician

By Aiden Lupian

Redwood is home to many music programs and from these programs have come amazing musicians. The music programs at Redwood High School have changed lives and opened new doors for so many students, past and present. From the band to the orchestra to even the choir classes, there is no shortage of truly talented musicians here at Redwood. 

Matthias Cecena-Caballero, ’25, who goes by his middle name Xander, is 15 years old and is one of the great musicians here at Redwood. He has a big passion for listening to music, but an even bigger passion for making and playing it. He can play marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, piano, guitar, and violin. And he is in both the band and orchestra. 

Xander has played percussion since the 4th grade and he picked up the violin in the 5th grade, when asked about his thoughts on his current skill set he says, “I try exploring multiple percussion instruments but at the school, I am mainly a mallet player and play marimba in the winter percussion program.”

He adds by saying, “I also have the privilege of playing in the chamber orchestra at Redwood and enjoy being able to experience two very different environments with band and orchestra to broaden my musical experience.”

 Caballero has had a lot of support throughout his musical journey with his mother being his main supporter, when asked about his inspirations for music he says, “My mom was a big influence in my life when it came to music, she listened to a lot of types and helped me fall in love with the art that was listening and eventually creating music. When I told my mom I wanted to do drums in 4th grade, she was very supportive and encouraged me to continue in music.”

Caballero’s musical abilities only grew from there as he picked up the piano and guitar not long after picking up percussion. 

It takes lots of motivation and drive to keep going in music, with the long rehearsals, concerts, and competitions, being a musician here at Redwood is no easy task and often musicians have someone or something that keeps them going. 

Caballero says, “Being in programs at Redwood that have a good community as well as my mom’s ambitious goals she encourages me to keep driving forward. I love the art that I play and find it as a real gift to be able to express passion through music.”

Caballero was even able to make Redwood band’s highest ensemble, that being Wind Ensemble. He has many instruments and abilities under his belt. Caballero has even started arranging his own musical pieces, so there’s no doubt that his future in music is very bright.

Caballero does see himself being a professional musician in the future, he says, “I see myself playing gigs at different musical venues as possibly a drummer or a violinist at local symphony orchestras. I also dabble in guitar so possibly starting a small band could be cool.” 

As the end of the school year approaches, the seniors in Redwood’s music programs will leave to achieve great feats, which means the incoming freshman will have to fill in all the empty spots. Caballero cares about the future Redwood musicians and does have some wise words to share with them. 

Caballero says, “If anything I would say to try music out to see if you like it and don’t let the common stereotypes or fear of being judged hinder whether or not you try it. Band is more physically demanding, fun, and community-building than people think. I have tons of friends I´ve made from band and I love to hang out with people who share the love of music.” He finishes by saying, “It’s a really cool thing to be able to experience. You really have nothing to lose just trying it out.”

Tags: artist spotlight, arts, arts & entertainment, arts and entertainment, band, local artist, music, music at football games, musical pit, orchestra, redwood high school