Ever since Jacob Cortez was a child he had a passion for music and obtained a talent for it over time. At the age of seven, he had already begun to play the piano, further growing his passion for music. During middle school he decided to attempt different instruments, so he began playing the saxophone. As he played throughout middle school his skills developed further and during his time in high school, he was encouraged to join the marching band, which he accepted happily.

Cortez did not have the best experience with band teachers while he was in school. Due to many teachers switching, he had four different teachers in one year. This led to him not having a real marching band experience.

During Cortez’s time at CSU Stanislaus, he decided to take on a piano preformist major.

“My experience at Cortez Stanislaus was rough,” Cortez explained.

Cortez had to spend long hours studying and practicing late at night constantly, but in the end it was worth it.

Due to Cortez’s bad experiences with band teachers in the past, he decided to take it upon himself to give other students a better experience that he never had.

“As long as you know what you love, it’s easy,” Cortez stated, describing his love for teaching music at Tracy High.

According to Cortez, this year’s classes have been refreshing and cannot wait to see and instruct more students in the future.