Published March 4, 2025
BY OLIVIA FORT
From editing music for the dance team to creating original pieces for the school’s Visual and Performing Arts show, seniors Craig Balbo and Laith Rodriguez, CHS teacher’s assistants in the Digital Music class, have been making substantial contributions to the school’s music production scene.
Seniors Laith Rodriguez and Craig Balbo (from left) collaborate on a Digital Music project. (photo by OLIVIA FORT)
Balbo, who also participates in Band and Jazz ensemble, joined the Digital Music class to further his involvement in the music program as a junior. Rodriguez, on the other hand, found himself in the class as a result of scheduling conflicts his sophomore year. But in just a few weeks, Rodriguez uncovered a newfound passion for music production.
“By the second semester, I’d bought my own systems to just do it on my own,” says Rodriguez, “and that really extended my love for the class.”
Now as seniors and TAs, both Rodriguez and Balbo have taken on various responsibilities. From helping classmates with assignments to assisting the dance team with music editing to even creating original pieces for the VAPA show.
“They’re both really easy to work with as students and are very motivated,” explains Brian Handley, the CHS music teacher who has taught Digital Music for the past 16 years.
The duo’s work with the CHS dance team has kept them booked and busy. For the past year, the two have been editing the team’s music for rallies and performances, ensuring it sounds polished and professional.
“It’s really rewarding to see our work performed in front of the school,” says Balbo.
Balbo and Rodriguez in the CHS theater preparing for January’s VAPA show. (photo by OLIVIA FORT)
Both Balbo and Rodriguez created original pieces for the CHS VAPA show. Rodriguez’s piece “Voice” incorporated works created by the Graphic Design class, whereas Balbo’s piece “Embers” collaborated with the Dance class.
Earlier this year, Rodriguez participated in a music production competition, extending his personal music projects beyond the classroom. Meanwhile, Balbo, who works for Glastonbury, an audio and visual event specialist company in Sand City, has been gaining hands-on experience in the industry through setting up equipment for events.
“When you are in this class, you learn how to mic up instruments and everything,” explains Balbo. “It’s one of the many things that I learned from this class that has benefited me outside of school.”
Looking ahead, Craig Balbo hopes to pursue a career in music, possibly as a composer for movies. Although considering a different career path, Laith Rodriguez plans to continue music production as a hobby.
As Rodriguez says, “It’s definitely an experience that everyone should give a chance.”
